September 09, 2026 - 161 views
People across Wales are being asked for their views on plans to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools.
A 12-week Welsh Government consultation has opened on new guidance designed to help schools develop clear and consistent mobile phone policies.
The guidance is expected to be published in early 2027 and comes amid growing concerns about the impact of mobile phones and social media on pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour, concentration and learning.
Under the proposed guidance, schools will be expected to restrict the use of mobile phones during the school day.
However, schools will have flexibility to decide how restrictions work locally, including the possibility of a complete ban across the school site.
The Welsh Government says the guidance recognises that digital technology has an important role to play in education when it is used appropriately.
Education and Welsh Language Minister Anna Brychan said she strongly supports clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day.
She said schools and families had raised legitimate concerns about distraction in the classroom and the wider impact of mobile phones, social media and technology on pupils.
The consultation is intended to give schools, parents, learners and other stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the final guidance and ensure it is practical and effective.
The Welsh Government says the new national direction should also provide greater consistency between schools across Wales.
The consultation runs for 12 weeks, with the final guidance expected to be published early next year.
