Claire Armitstead, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, comments on plans by the Welsh government to introduce new statutory guidance to restrict mobile phone use in schools.
“We welcome plans for national guidance on mobile phone restrictions in schools. While schools already have policies in place, this is clearly a topic which excites a great deal of debate and controversy, and it would be helpful to have a common set of clear expectations which are shared between schools, parents, and pupils.
“We would like to see this land in a sensible place which allows school leaders flexibility about exactly how they implement restrictions so that they are able to take into account their context and the needs of their pupils and families.
“And we think it is also important to remember that the vast majority of smartphone use happens outside school time, and that more needs to be done to support families to manage the harmful impacts of this technology.
“We’re also pleased to see that the Education Minister has set out her priorities for the sector and look forward to working with her on developing these plans.
“However, it is vital to address the elephant in the room which is the fact that education funding is desperately inadequate, and that schools are running on fumes. We have to invest properly in our education system in order to deliver the learning and support that all our children and young people need to ensure that they have the best possible life chances.”