The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has called on the First Minister to introduce a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools, arguing for a consistent approach across Wales.
Last week, the UK Government issued statutory guidance to schools in England banning mobile phones in schools from 1st September 2026, yet in Wales, the Welsh Government is consulting over the autumn, leaving schools to adopt inconsistent policies.
During First Minister's Questions, Darren Millar MS warned the Welsh Government of the confusion likely to be caused by different approaches across schools and local authorities.
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
"Mobile phones are a huge distraction in our classrooms. They undermine learning and are contributing to growing concerns about young people's mental health.
“Pupils, parents and teachers deserve a clear and consistent approach across Wales. Evidence shows 82% of the education workforce support a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools, so the First Minister should stop delaying and get on with it.
"After 27 years of Labour and Plaid Cymru budgets, too many young people are leaving school without the qualifications they need, while behavioural issues and persistent absenteeism are increasing.
"We need a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools to ensure consistency and empower school staff to focus on teaching and learning.”
