Commenting as the Senedd debates a proposal to ban use of mobile phones by pupils in schools this afternoon, Laura Doel, national secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Individual schools know their pupils and communities so are best placed to develop their own policies when it comes to mobile phones in schools according to what works for them and for pupils’ education and wellbeing. 

“Most schools already have clear policies which they review regularly, and they do much to equip children with awareness and strategies to monitor screen time and focus on work despite the distractions of modern society – and clearly, parents also have a responsibility in this regard.

“It is therefore difficult to see this debate as anything other than an unnecessary distraction from far more pressing issues facing schools, including funding shortfalls, support for pupils with additional learning needs, and the staff recruitment and retention crisis.

“All have an enormous impact on schools’ ability to deliver the first-class education all children deserve, and we urge the Welsh Government and assembly members to make it their New Year’s resolution to urgently address these issues.”