An outright “ban” on smartphones in all schools is not a clear cut call, says the Senedd’s Petitions Committee, who instead want to see more support for schools to set their own restrictions.
Whilst there is plenty of evidence that point to the harms, the Committee also heard how smartphones can support young people’s welfare and safety. Speaking to teachers, pupils and parents, the Committee considered the different rules currently adopted by schools, and the complex relationship between young people and their smartphones.
In conclusion, in its report published today (12 March 2025) the Senedd Petitions Committee is urging Welsh Government to establish clear guidance, alongside a robust decision-making framework, which will give teachers the confidence to set rules that work best for their young people. The Committee also wants the Welsh Government to keep following the evidence of studies into the impact of smartphone restrictions during the school day.
“The growing body of evidence about the harms of smartphones outweighing the benefits for children is both compelling and concerning. However, on balance we do not believe that it supports a move to a uniform ‘ban’ on smartphones in all Welsh schools,” says Carolyn Thomas MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Petitions Committee.
“The more evidence we heard, the clearer it became that the relationship between young people and their phones is not simple. There are children who experience distraction, cyber-bullying, addiction and anxiety delivered through their phones. There are others who are liberated by being able to manage health conditions or feel emboldened to walk to school, knowing they can always contact a parent.
“Every so often a petition comes in that grabs our attention and sometimes things that seem the simplest, are much, much more complex once you scratch the surface. We thank the petitioner for bringing forward this very timely issue, which gave us the opportunity to explore and present the recommendations to Welsh Government. We hope the information will be useful for all schools in considering and setting their policies.”
The evidence gathered by the Committee, along with its recommendations, will now be considered by Welsh Government for a response. A debate will be arranged in the Senedd in due course.
Read the report: "Ban smartphones in all schools in Wales with exemptions for exceptional circumstances"
