Plans for a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day have been dropped, the Government has admitted.
Updated guidance on improving discipline will leave it for heads to decide whether phones can be used in classrooms.
Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson pushed for a ban on mobiles last year, which he said were “not just distracting but they can have a damaging effect on a pupil’s mental health and wellbeing”.
The move drew criticism from teaching unions, who branded it a distraction from wider issues facing schools after the pandemic.
His successor Nadhim Zahawi has now stepped back from a blanket ban with revised guidance for heads, which will be consulted on from today.
Children who are not in school will also be listed on a new register in an attempt to stop pupils "falling through the cracks".
Local authorities will be told to log where each child is being educated after a rise in children being home-schooled during the pandemic.
Mr Zahawi said: "While the majority of children already learn in a calm and well-maintained classroom, and some learn at home with dedicated parents, there are areas across the country where high standards are not being met.
"As Education Secretary, it is my priority to make sure every child gets the start in life they deserve, which is why I'm announcing clearer guidance to help every school boost behaviour and new legislation to create the first local authority register for children not in school."
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), welcomed the introduction of a register for children not in school - but branded new guidance on behaviour "unhelpful".
He said: "We need to remember that in the vast majority of schools there are no major issues when it comes to behaviour, and that schools already have strong systems in place for supporting good behaviour.
"The Government's current obsession with being seen to 'talk tough' on behaviour is frankly unhelpful.
"Instead, what the Government should be focusing on is making sure that vital support services are available to support schools and pupils when they need it.
"It is important to find out if there is an underlying cause for an individual child's behaviour, whether it be mental wellbeing, undiagnosed SEND, or problems at home."
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "We are relieved to see that the Education Secretary clearly doesn’t share his predecessor’s obsession with the use of mobile phones in classrooms.
"He appears to have accepted what we told Gavin Williamson at the time, namely that schools and colleges already have rigorous policies in place on mobile phone use and should be left to get on with the job at hand."
