A Wrexham school says it will be introducing 'lockable pouches' from September in order to deter mobile phone use among pupils.
Ysgol Clywedog secondary school, based on Ruthin Road, says it is putting the new policy in place in order to comply with statutory guidance from the Welsh and UK Governments.
Last month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced under 16's will be banned from a range of social media platforms in what he called a "big moment for our country" at a Downing Street press conference on June 15.
The move came in response to overwhelming support during a government consultation, which found that 91% of parents backed raising the minimum age for social media access to 16 in the UK.
The new guidance for local authorities and schools in Wales will strengthen and make clear the expectations for how phones are used within the school day.
Ysgol Clywedog headteacher Simon Ellis says the pouches will be introduced at their school from September.
That means they will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd secondary school, also in Wrexham, where the policy has existed since last October for pupils in years 7 to 11.
Mr Ellis said: "In line with recent statutory guidance from the Welsh and UK Governments issued in June 2026, schools are instructed to maintain mobile phone-free environments throughout the school day.
"Research shows that widespread mobile phone access inside schools heavily contributes to classroom distraction, heightened pupil anxiety, online bullying and peer-on-peer harm.
"In order to achieve this mobile free environment, alongside many other schools in the UK, the school will be introducing lockable phone pouches which must be used during the day."
Mr Ellis added: "Pupils will lock their phone in the pouch at the start of the school day. This will be checked by their Form Tutor or Reception staff and then can be kept with them throughout the day.
"They cannot access them again until they are unlocked at 3pm using magnets placed around the school building. This supports focus in lessons and helps safeguard pupils from online issues during school hours.
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"Staff will be able to unlock pouches if required and pupils with medical needs, such as diabetes monitoring, will have alternative pouch to ensure they can continue with their healthcare arrangements in place.
"Families where this applies will be contacted individually. If parents need to contact their child during the school day, existing systems via the school office and year teams remain unchanged.
"The school has purchased enough pouches for each pupil and each pouch is designed to last for the entirety of a pupil’s time at the school. Should the pupil lose or damage the pouch then unfortunately, a new one will need to be purchased by yourself through ParentPay at a cost of £15 and collected at the main school office.
"If your child forgets their pouch, then they will hand their phone in at the start of the day. This will be kept in Reception until 3pm when they can collect it on their way home. There will be random spot checks by Senior Leaders and the Pastoral Team to check that all pupils comply."
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