The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has called for a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools across Wales, arguing that a consistent approach is needed for pupils, parents and teachers.

During First Minister’s Questions, Darren Millar warned that different policies between schools and local authorities could create confusion, after the UK Government announced new statutory guidance for schools in England.

The guidance means schools in England will be required to ban mobile phone use from 1 September 2026, while the Welsh Government is consulting on the issue, with further work expected in the autumn.

Mr Millar said Wales risked being left with an inconsistent approach, with individual schools deciding their own policies around mobile phone use.

He said: “Mobile phones are a huge distraction in our classrooms. They undermine learning and are contributing to growing concerns about young people’s mental health.

“Pupils, parents and teachers deserve a clear and consistent approach across Wales. Evidence shows 82% of the education workforce support a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools, so the First Minister should stop delaying and get on with it.”

Mr Millar also used the issue to criticise the Welsh Government’s record on education, claiming that years of Labour and Plaid Cymru-led budgets had failed to address concerns around qualifications, behaviour and attendance.

He added: “We need a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools to ensure consistency and empower school staff to focus on teaching and learning.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it is considering the issue as part of wider work to improve behaviour, wellbeing and learning in schools.

Any changes introduced in Wales would apply to schools across the country, including those in North Wales, where headteachers currently have different policies in place around the use of mobile phones during the school day.

The debate comes as schools continue to consider the balance between technology, online safety and maintaining a focused learning environment for pupils.