Wales to Encourage Restrictions on Mobile Phone Use in Schools
Headteachers in Wales will be "strongly encouraged" to limit pupils' use of mobile phones during the school day, according to the Welsh education minister, Anna Brychan.
She has pledged to establish "clear national expectations on how mobile phones are used in schools" to provide guidance for schools and local councils.
While Plaid Cymru has stated it will not impose a complete ban on phones in schools—citing the necessity for some children to have access for medical reasons—the UK government is pursuing legislation to make schools in England "mobile phone-free environments by default."
Research commissioned by the Welsh government revealed that the majority of teachers support the introduction of national guidelines on mobile phone usage within schools.
Minister Brychan announced plans to begin consultations on these rules starting in September.
"I want to be clear: as cabinet minister I fully support, and strongly encourage, headteachers to introduce clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day, up to and including a full restriction across the school site."
A government-commissioned survey found that most schools already have policies regarding mobile phone use. However, 82% of respondents expressed a desire for statutory restrictions—mandatory rules that all schools must adhere to.
The precise extent of the forthcoming national guidance remains undecided, but officials have indicated that it will permit schools to prohibit phone use throughout the day if they choose.
Some schools have already implemented measures to restrict phone use, such as locking devices in pouches at the start of the day.
In England, schools are expected to prevent pupils from using phones during lessons except in exceptional circumstances.
"I am mindful some children will always need exceptions for medical reasons, for example. By consulting on guidance at the start of the school year I am giving schools the clarity they want quickly, and creating a safer learning environment by reducing distractions now."
On Tuesday, Brychan outlined her priorities in a statement to the Senedd, Wales' parliament.
This announcement follows the UK government's recent decision to ban social media access for under-16s.
During the Senedd election, Plaid Cymru included restrictions on mobile phone use in its manifesto.
The Welsh Conservatives responded to the workforce survey by highlighting the "clear support for stronger national action." Tory education spokesperson Sam Rowlands stated:
"The Welsh Conservatives want mobile phones out of classrooms, so pupils can concentrate and standards can improve across Wales."
