Wales won't ban mobile phones in schools, first minister says
Wales will not implement a ban on mobile phones in schools, according to First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. Instead, the Welsh government will empower individual schools to make their own decisions regarding smartphone use. Ap Iorwerth emphasized the need for evidence-based action on social media use among under-16s as consultations on the matter conclude.
- ▪First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that there will not be a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools.
- ▪The Welsh government aims to empower schools to make their own decisions regarding smartphone use.
- ▪Ap Iorwerth highlighted the importance of evidence-based action on social media use for children under 16.
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| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 14:51:16 GMT |
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Wales won't ban mobile phones in schools, first minister says21 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleElliw GwawrWales political correspondentGetty ImagesA new law for England is expected to ensure schools are free of smartphones during the dayThere will not be a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has said.In England, the UK government intends to pass a law so that schools must ensure schools are free of smartphones during the day.Speaking at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey, ap Iorwerth said his Plaid Cymru Welsh government will instead "empower schools" to make their own decisions.Meanwhile he said action "needs to be taken" on under-16s' use of social media.
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