Three students from Bedwas High School, Reggie Dovener, Nia Parsons, and Kaia Wells, collaborated with Caerphilly MS Hefin David to draft a speech questioning the appropriateness of allowing mobile phones in Welsh schools.
Presented at the Senedd on March 13, the speech highlighted concerns raised by the school’s digital leaders regarding the need for clear guidance from the Welsh Government on the acceptable use of mobile phones to ensure consistency across all schools in Wales.
The Parliament (Credits: CNN)
Dr. David, a Labour backbencher, underscored the growing concerns about cyberbullying, citing a recent incident where a 13-year-old girl was attacked on school premises. He emphasized that mobile technology was used to plan, record, and share the attack among students.
Drawing attention to the need for stricter regulations, Dr. David noted the success stories of schools like Llanidloes High School, which saw a significant reduction in cyberbullying cases after implementing a ban on mobile phones during school hours.
College Students (Credits: Fox Business)
Referring to testimonies from school officials, Dr. David highlighted the positive impact of banning mobile phones on student interactions and concentration levels during lessons.
However, he also acknowledged the potential challenges, such as the need for students to contact parents during emergencies or to manage medical conditions like diabetes.
He raised concerns about the ban’s impact on young carers who rely on mobile phones to check on their relatives throughout the day.
While recognizing the potential benefits of technology in education, Dr. David stressed the importance of striking a balance between allowing access to educational platforms like Google Classroom and addressing the negative consequences associated with unrestricted mobile phone usage in schools.
