Teachers and parents across Wales are being invited to share their perspectives on restricting mobile phone use in schools, as the Welsh Government prepares to issue new national guidance on the issue. The largest teaching union in Wales has called for a comprehensive ban, citing transformational improvements in student engagement and behaviour at schools where phones are already prohibited.
The Welsh Government has ruled out imposing a mandatory ban but has committed to strengthening national guidance. Education Minister Anna Brychan MS indicated that schools will be expected to restrict mobile phone use during the school day, though individual schools will retain flexibility to tailor their approaches to their specific communities.
A consultation launched on Wednesday will enable teachers, parents and governing bodies to contribute to the development of new national guidance aimed at restricting phones throughout the school day. According to reports on the consultation launch, the guidance is intended to support schools in developing mobile phone rules while leaving flexibility for local circumstances.
Nasuwt Cymru, the largest teaching union in Wales, has reported that members working in schools where phones are already banned have found the policy "transformational" with improved learner engagement and behaviour. The union's position contrasts with the Welsh Government's approach, which emphasises flexibility rather than a blanket prohibition.
The government points to mounting evidence demonstrating how smartphone use affects children's academic attainment and overall wellbeing. This evidence base has prompted the decision to strengthen guidance, even without introducing a legal ban.
What approaches are being considered?
Several options are under consideration for restricting mobile phone access during the school day. Schools could implement a complete restriction of mobile phones across the site, with devices handed over at the start of the day or locked away in pouches and collected at the end. Other possibilities include keeping phones switched off and stored in bags during lessons, or allowing permitted use during certain times of the day and in designated areas of the school building.
The guidance also addresses considerations for pupils who may require their phones for medical reasons, such as managing diabetes, or for young carers who need to remain contactable. A tiered approach with stricter rules for younger pupils compared to older students has also been suggested. Any school policy should include clear guidance for exemptions, potentially requiring a formal application from a parent or with supporting evidence.
If mobile devices are needed for learning activities, the guidance advises that arrangements should be made to ensure no pupil is disadvantaged by restrictions.
What do parents and school leaders say?
Views among parents vary on the issue. Jim and Fiona Lloyd from Tregaron in Ceredigion believe the approach should be "all or nothing", with a clear national policy rather than leaving decisions to individual schools. They do not object to their daughter having her phone in school but feel consistency across Wales is important.
Other parents hold mixed views on the matter. Christine James and Mark Hermolle acknowledge that phones can be distracting in the classroom but also recognise their value for certain learning activities. This perspective reflects the complexity of the issue, with potential benefits and drawbacks depending on how phones are used.
Dr Graham Gault, national secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, acknowledged that many Welsh schools already have robust policies limiting phone use and that national guidance would support these efforts. However, he raised concerns about implementation costs:
"Restricting or banning phone does however come at a cost and generates additional workload for schools. We would therefore encourage the Welsh government to be mindful of this and help fund implementation of these measures should this guidance move forward."
How does Wales compare to other parts of the UK?
Wales' approach differs from that taken by other UK nations. England's statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools became effective from 1 September 2026, creating a legal requirement for schools to implement phone-free policies. Northern Ireland's education minister is consulting on legislation to ban smartphones in schools, following England's recent legal ban. From August, Edinburgh state secondary schools banned mobile phones during the school day, requiring devices to be stored in sealed pouches.
Unlike these jurisdictions, both the current Plaid Cymru government and the previous Welsh Labour government have stopped short of an outright ban, preferring to issue guidance that allows schools to determine their own policies within a national framework.
Current school practices
Most schools in Wales already have their own rules governing mobile phone use in the classroom and during breaks. The variation in existing policies reflects different school contexts and priorities. The new national guidance is intended to provide a consistent framework while respecting these local differences.
What happens next?
The consultation is set to run for 12 weeks, with guidance expected to be published in early 2027. The Welsh Government has indicated that the guidance will be evaluated over the school year, with the option to strengthen expectations further if needed. This phased approach allows the government to assess the effectiveness of the guidance and make adjustments based on school experience and feedback.
Key Facts:
- A 12-week consultation on mobile phone restrictions in schools launched on Wednesday
- The Welsh Government will issue statutory guidance rather than imposing a legal ban
- Schools will be expected to restrict phone use during the school day, with flexibility for local approaches
- Exemptions will be considered for medical needs and young carers
- New guidance is expected to be published in early 2027
