News
Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

THREE young people helped a Senedd member pen a speech questioning whether mobile phones should be banned in Wales’ schools.
Reggie Dovener, Nia Parsons and Kaia Wells – Year 9 pupils at Bedwas High School – helped Caerphilly MS Hefin David craft the short debate on March 13.
Dr David told the Senedd the school’s digital leaders are calling for Welsh Government guidance on acceptable use of mobile phones to ensure consistency across Wales.
The Labour backbencher raised concerns about cyberbullying, warning a 13-year-old girl was recently attacked on school premises.
He said: “The attack was premeditated. Mobile technology was used to plan the attack by fellow learners, inside and outside the school premises.
“The attack was recorded by several pupils, and shared throughout the school and others in the area. They were plotting to do it again and put it on Snapchat.”
Dr David said schools in Wales have their own policies, pointing out that guidance on prohibiting mobile phones during the school day has been issued in England.
He told the chamber Llanidloes High School, which has banned mobile phones during the school day, has reported a dramatic drop in cases of cyberbullying.
Dr David quoted Dan Owen, the school’s headteacher, as saying: “I used to go into the canteen and there was an eerie silence because they were all on their phones.
“Now they talk to each other more.”
Dr David said Ysgol Aberconwy, which locks phones away for the school day, has reported children are concentrating better as they cannot play on their phones during lessons.
The former university lecturer said some pupils feel mobile phones are needed to contact parents but this is not necessary as family emergencies can be dealt with by the school.
Dr David cautioned that pupils may need their mobile phones to pay for lunch in contactless canteens or to monitor medical conditions such as diabetes.
He said: “Another issue that was raised was that of learners who are also young carers. An individual who works with young carers told us that a ban would be horrific for them.
“They would be anxious about how their relative was throughout the day, and that worry would hinder their learning.”
Dr David added that pupils can use personal devices to access platforms such as Google Classroom and technology can aid pupils with additional learning needs.
Reggie, Nia and Kaia – who visited the Senedd with their teacher Suzanne John to watch first minister’s questions on March 12 – said: “Mobile phone use in a school is a minefield.
“Many learners feel mobile phones shouldn’t be banned. Many school leaders feel they should be banned to improve behaviour.
“Many teachers feel that they are a help and a hindrance. We feel that the education minister needs to give guidance to schools in Wales on acceptable use of mobile phones in school.
“He needs to give guidance on how schools should manage this from classroom level up to senior management level. The guidance should include young people’s views and teachers and school leaders should also be consulted.
“We would like to see consistency across Wales, and we would like to see cyberbullying eradicated from schools.”
Jeremy Miles, Wales’ education minister, heaped praise on Reggie, Nia and Kaia, who were watching from the public gallery.
He said: “I think we should maybe ask you to write more speeches that are delivered in this chamber. I hope Hefin won’t mind me saying but I saw a marked improvement in quality.”
Mr Miles argued against a blanket approach. He said schools are best placed to set local policies, with guidance to support them on the Hwb platform.
The would-be first minister told the chamber: “We need to ensure, though, that we teach our learners healthy habits and provide them with the skills to navigate the digital and online world, but also how to take breaks and move back into the real world again.
“That’s not just lessons at school; those are lessons for life.”
Community
St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).
The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.
A legacy of faith and unity
St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.
Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”
These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.
A symbolic exchange
The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.
Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”
The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.
News
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police say they received a call reporting the incident at around 4:30pm.
Tragically, a 15-year-old girl has passed away, it has been confirmed.
Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.
Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.
News
Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

THREE people were taken to hospital following a collision on the A477 near Cleddau Bridge on Monday (Mar 17).
The crash, which involved three vehicles, happened shortly before 9:00am between Cleddau Bridge and Honeyborough roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene, and both lanes of the road were closed for nearly two hours.
One lane reopened at 10:45am, with the road fully cleared by 10:55am.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police attended a three-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 just before 9:00am. Three people were taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.”
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