Welsh Government consults on restricting mobile phones in schools
Nation.Cymru Staff
Mobile phone use could be restricted throughout the school day at schools across Wales under new national guidance being put out for consultation.
Following the 12-week consultation, new guidance will be published in early 2027 in response to growing concerns about the impact of mobile phone use on learners’ wellbeing, engagement and behaviour.
It will also address concerns around the impact on learning, while recognising the role that digital technology can play in education when used appropriately.
The move follows a commitment by the new Welsh Government to tackle mobile phone use in schools as part of its first 100 days in office, with Education Minister Anna Brychan announcing plans for national guidance in June.
A Welsh Government survey published that month found that 82% of education workforce respondents supported statutory restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.
Nearly three-quarters (74.6%) also said existing restrictions had a positive impact on reducing distraction, while 65% reported a positive impact on behaviour management and 60.8% on learner wellbeing.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said at the time that his government was “determined to act” to reduce the impact of the use of smartphones during school hours.
Some councils have already backed restrictions on mobile phones in schools, with Caerphilly County Borough Council supporting schools in introducing tougher rules on their use during the school day.
The Welsh Government has now said that developing the new national guidance for schools will provide greater clarity and consistency across Wales.
It will help schools to develop and enhance their mobile phone policies, with the expectation that the use of mobile phones is restricted during the school day, whilst allowing schools to be flexible and reflect their local circumstances.
Anna Brychan MS said: “The First 100-Days Plan made a clear commitment to act on the issue of mobile phone use in schools.
“I fully support, and strongly encourage the introduction of clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day up to and including a full restriction across the school site.
“The impact that mobile phones, social media and wider technology can have on the wellbeing, behaviour and learning experiences is substantial and schools and families have raised legitimate concerns about distraction in the classroom.
“This guidance will provide clear national direction and enable schools to develop robust policies, which are consistent across Wales.
“The consultation will give schools, parents, learners and stakeholders the opportunity to ensure their voices are heard and to shape the new guidance to ensure that it is both practical and effective.”
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Get more trusted Welsh news
Choose Nation.Cymru as a preferred source in Google News to see more of our journalism.
Hilarious level of expensive consultations when people are well paid to govern and make decisions. I would also suggest that, after yesterday’s appalling league tables, the education department have other things to focus on.
Quite. Someone needs to explain to Ms Brychan that consulting is not acting. The issues are well known and more woolly guidance is not needed.
In terms of policy delivery such consultation processes a statutory requirement in the Senedd, as they are in Westminster.
Whilst true, consultation has all too often been an excuse for doing nothing in Wales. There are examples of the same issue being consulted upon multiple times. That needs to change – and it seems that Westminster have recognised it.
I am a primary school Governor and we already have a clear mobile phone policy in place. I’m sure this is true of many other schools, too.
If only someone would consult on restricting mobile phone use by politicians. They’re the ones who are addicted.
This should not be up for discussion. School requires attention to the teacher. Anything else is distraction. Phones can be left in the office securely on arrival and collected on departure. If parents wish to contact the child at school they can ring the office.
No point, as I found schools don’t obey Senedd guidelines anyway. The one in particular wiped their bums with the paper it was printed on. Not that I believe in a ban. My kids are my responsibility and as such I work with them to create rules. Given a school has lost my son in school several times and I got him to ping his location, a ban is dangerous to me. Kids can’t be kept back until they are 18 and then suddenly know the answers to the pitfalls of life. They need to experience and fail as much… Read more »