Responding to a report by the Welsh Senedd on a petition to ban smartphones in schools, Laura Doel, National Secretary of school leaders' union NAHT Cymru, said:

"We gave evidence to the petitions committee on this, on behalf of school leaders, and we are pleased they have listened to those voices on the ground.

"An outright ban would not work; school leaders need the flexibility and support to develop a policy that works for them to keep the children and staff in their schools and communities safe.

"What school leaders do need, is guidance from Welsh Government on key principles, as well as support from parents in working with schools to encourage appropriate phone use.

“We can’t get away from the realities of social media and technology use among children and young people. The fact is we live in a society where phone use is prevalent. But it is important that we educate children and young people, to help them understand and navigate this online world, and make sure they know how to seek help when it becomes unsafe or unhealthy, as well as clamping down on those who do not obey the rules."