HEAD TEACHERS have slammed a Senedd debate today to ban mobile phones in Welsh schools.

Laura Doel, of school leaders union NAHT Cymru, called the debate “an unnecessary distraction” from more pressing issues facing schools, including funding shortfalls, support for pupils with additional learning needs and the staff recruitment and retention crisis.

“All have an enormous impact on schools’ ability to deliver the first-class education all children deserve, and we urge the Welsh government and Senedd members to make it their new year’s resolution to urgently address these issues,” she said.