Mobile phones will not be banned in Welsh schools

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has confirmed that Wales will not introduce a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools

Wales will not introduce a ban on mobile phones in schools, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has confirmed. After Australia introduced a social media ban for under 16s in January 2026, the UK government is weighing up several options to safeguard children and young people from the dangers of social media.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that fresh measures for under-16s in England will be implemented before the end of 2026. However, Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorweth has said his newly-formed Welsh Government will not introduce a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools.

Speaking at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Anglesey on Tuesday, May 26, Mr ap Iorwerth told BBC Wales that he would “facilitate schools to take the decisions that they feel are right to protect children and young people”.

He continued: “I don’t think of it in terms of a ban, I think about it as action on a number of different fronts.

“We will empower schools and school leaders to make decisions that they feel is right for pupils – many schools and school leaders have already taken those measures”.

However, he added that action “needs to be taken” regarding under-16s’ use of social media. The First Minister said: “The evidence is getting stronger and stronger.

“When you have evidence suggesting to you that the use of social media by children and young people can be as harmful as smoking tobacco, you take that very, very seriously.

“I am clear that action needs to be taken. It’s important though that it’s evidence based.”

The First Minister’s comments came as a UK government consultation on the impact of social media on children under the age of 16 draws to a close.

Meanwhile, the Conservative party say that Plaid Cymru need to commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.

Welsh Conservative shadow minister for education, families and constitution, Sam Rowlands MS, said: “Experts continue to warn about the harms of social media for children, with some comparing its impact to smoking.

“While the UK Government is acting on the damages that social media causes, the First Minister in Wales is dithering on restricting social media for under 16’s and has ruled out a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools.

“The Welsh Conservatives say Plaid Cymru must go further and commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.”