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Wales won't ban mobile phones in schools, first minister says
Rhun ap Iorwerth says the Welsh government will let schools set their own rules while England moves toward a smartphone-free school day.
- On Tuesday at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed Wales will not introduce a nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools, saying his Plaid Cymru Welsh government will instead "empower schools" to set their own restrictions.
- Research showing social media use by young people can be "as harmful as smoking tobacco" prompted the policy response, as ap Iorwerth emphasized the need for "evidence based" action while a UK government consultation on under-16s and social media draws to a close.
- Individual schools and their governing bodies will retain authority to decide phone policies, with ap Iorwerth noting many have already implemented their own measures as part of "action on a number of different fronts."
- England's government plans to legislate mandatory phone-free school days by end of 2026, contrasting sharply with Wales' approach; Welsh Conservative shadow minister Sam Rowlands MS criticized ap Iorwerth, saying the First Minister is "dithering" while the UK government acts.
- Plaid Cymru's election manifesto committed to empowering local authorities to restrict under-16s' smartphone use through "practical and proportionate" implementation with exemptions, aligning with the First Minister's school-led strategy as Australia's January 2026 social media ban influences global policy debate.
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SCHOOL PHONES: First Minister rules out Wales-wide ban as Plaid Cymru leaves decision to individual schools — with Swansea parents already debating the issue
There will be no Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools — with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth saying his new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will instead “empower schools” to make their own decisions on whether and how to restrict phone use during the school day. The position, set out by the First Minister at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey on Tuesday and first reported by BBC Wales, marks a clear divergence from England — where the UK Governm…
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Total News Sources5
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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