Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

Published

on

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News2 hours ago

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...

Community22 hours ago

Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away

TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord,...

Business24 hours ago

Pembrokeshire households could benefit from new energy infrastructure

HOUSEHOLDS in Pembrokeshire and other areas near new or upgraded electricity pylons are set to receive bill discounts of up...

News1 day ago

​Pembrokeshire MS calls for reversal of ‘family farm’ and ‘jobs’ taxes

THE UK’S economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.1% in January 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS),...

Sport2 days ago

England thrash Wales with 10-try rout but miss out on Six Nations title

Wales 14-68 England Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance...

Sport2 days ago

Wales v England: A battle for pride and the title

TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff...

Crime3 days ago

Child sexual crime in Pembrokeshire: Perception vs. reality

IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the...

News3 days ago

Software engineer collided with bus near Cleddau Bridge deliberately

A TRAGIC collision near the Cleddau Bridge claimed the life of a Pembrokeshire software engineer, an inquest has heard. Matthew...

News4 days ago

Local Authority is ‘hoarding cash’ as Council Tax rises by 9.35%, says MS

DEMANDS FOR REFORM AS COUNCIL’S £83 MILLION RESERVES REVEALED PEMBROKESHIRE residents are bracing for a 9.35% council tax rise, despite...

Crime5 days ago

Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales

VIOLENCE AMONG TEENS LEADING TO CALLS FOR WELSH GOVERNMENT TO ACT WALES is experiencing an alarming surge in violent crime...

Popular This Week