The Welsh Government is to issue new statutory guidance aimed at restricting mobile phone use in schools, as Education Secretary Anna Brychan set out her priorities for improving education across Wales.

The move follows a consultation and a workforce survey which found strong support among teachers and school staff for clearer national rules on mobile phone use during the school day.

While most schools already have policies in place, the survey found there was no consistent approach across Wales. More than eight in 10 respondents (82%) backed statutory restrictions, with many calling for stronger national direction.

The new guidance, which will apply to schools and local authorities, is intended to provide clear expectations on how mobile phones should be managed during the school day. It will be monitored throughout the academic year, with the possibility of tougher measures being introduced if required.

Announcing the plans, Anna Brychan said headteachers would be strongly encouraged to introduce robust restrictions on mobile phone use, including the option of a complete ban during the school day.

She said: “Our 100-day plan was clear we would act and I have listened to the calls for stronger clarity on this issue. This is why the government will publish statutory guidance to provide clear national expectations on how mobile phones are used in schools.

“I fully support – and strongly encourage – headteachers to introduce clear and robust restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day, up to and including a full restriction across the school site.”

The minister stressed that exceptions would remain for pupils who require access to phones for medical reasons.

The consultation on the new guidance is expected to begin at the start of the next school year.

The announcement comes as the UK Government considers new measures to limit social media access for under-16s in England. Brychan said the Welsh Government would assess any implications for Wales and work with school leaders to ensure their views are reflected.

Alongside the mobile phone plans, the minister outlined wider priorities for Wales’ education system, including raising standards in literacy and numeracy, reviewing the curriculum, reducing workload pressures on teachers, expanding Welsh-medium education and strengthening opportunities for young people to use the Welsh language.

She also pledged to create a more coherent tertiary education system, address participation gaps and review university funding arrangements.

Brychan said education was central to Wales’ future prosperity.

“Education is the key to unleashing our nation’s potential and there is no shortage of talent, energy and innovation in Wales,” she said.

“If we want to unlock this potential and build a stronger Wales, we need a stronger education system.”