Senedd to debate mobile phone ban in Welsh schools
Reform UK calls for mobile phone ban in Welsh schools
Reform UK is calling on the Welsh Government to introduce a statutory ban on mobile phones in classrooms across Wales, as the issue is set to be debated in the Senedd.
The party has tabled a motion urging Wales to follow England's approach, where schools are subject to statutory guidance restricting mobile phone use throughout the school day.
Unlike England, Welsh schools currently have no equivalent national statutory requirement, with individual schools largely responsible for setting their own policies.
But some schools have already introduced restrictions. Dŵr y Felin Comprehensive School in Neath introduced a mobile-phone-free policy on September 1st, 2025.
Headteacher Ceri Richmond says the decision has made a noticeable difference to life inside the school.
She told us teachers have reported far less disruption during lessons, with arguments over pupils using their phones largely disappearing.
Richmond says pupils are also interacting more during breaks, playing games and socialising rather than spending time looking at screens.
She says the school's experience shows pupils benefit from having a space where they can concentrate fully on learning, without the constant distraction of phone notifications.
The Senedd debate will consider whether Wales should introduce a consistent national approach or leave decisions to individual schools.