Latest news with #CarolynThomas
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
'No Mow May' initiative could be extended across Wales
The proposal aims to reverse decades of habitat loss by altering the management of road verges and green spaces. Carolyn Thomas, MS, has highlighted the potential environmental benefits of this change, suggesting that the verges could become natural wildlife corridors. She said: "Adopting new approaches to grassland management allows us to give biodiversity a boost while continuing to meet the needs of our communities. "By treating road verges as wildlife corridors, we can combat the nature and climate crisis." The roadside verges across Wales cover an estimated 15,000 hectares – approximately the size of Swansea. With careful management, this area could become one of Wales' most extensive networks of wildflower-rich grasslands. These efforts are deemed crucial, given the estimated decline of more than 90 percent of lowland semi-natural grassland in Wales between the 1930s and 1990s. Denbighshire County Council is a model of this approach, with their project treating verges and urban green spaces as wildflower meadows. The council collects seeds from these sites and grows native plants in their nursery, ensuring that all new planting is locally sourced and ecologically sound. The roadside verges across Wales cover an estimated 15,000 hectares (Image: Supplied) The number of species increased from around 40 to 120 after just four years of management. However, only a few councils in Wales have committed to 'No Mow May' this year. Mark Schofield, road verges and green spaces advisor at Plantlife, said: "There may be reasons some local authorities feel compelled to mow in May, but if we're serious about restoring native wildflowers, we need to move from short-term tidy-ups to long-term transformation. "No Mow May is a great place to start — but leaving some open space unmown for longer can support the lifecycles of a huge diversity of wildlife that depend on less disturbed wildflower-rich grassland." The campaign is also encouraging individuals to reduce mowing in their gardens. Ms Thomas said: "We're encouraging more people across Wales to help and connect with wildlife in their gardens by letting the wildflowers grow and being part of the No Mow Movement, starting in May and continuing through the summer." Around a third of people in Wales still mow their own lawns twice a month during the summer. Plantlife is urging more to join the movement and let nature lead, allowing 'No Mow May' to continue into June.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Breaking barriers in motorsport: Abi Penny's mission to inspire the next generation
SENEDD Members warned 'something must be done' with smartphones causing disruption in classrooms and fuelling mental health problems among pupils. Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the petitions committee, led a debate in the Senedd on May 14 amid a growing chorus of calls for restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The committee launched an inquiry in response to a 3,369-name petition submitted by Zena Blackwell, publishing a report with recommendations for the Welsh Government. Ms Thomas told the Senedd her committee found no clear consensus, urging Welsh ministers to introduce national guidance rather than an outright ban. Pointing out that 83% of children have a smartphone by Year 6, she said: 'Classroom teachers… told us phones cause all sorts of problems in schools, we heard some quite shocking evidence on this.' But she raised evidence from the children's commissioner, NSPCC, Barnardo's, and Parents Voices in Wales, which all expressed concerns about a ban. The Labour politician, who represents North Wales, pointed to evidence from Diabetes UK that smartphones help children manage their condition throughout the schoolday. Labour MS Carolyn Thomas Ms Thomas added that exemptions could be required for young carers and disabled or neurodivergent children who may similarly rely on their smartphones. 'We all struggle with the addictive nature of phones,' she said. 'There's the strong argument that children are that much more vulnerable and need greater protection. 'But they also need to learn how to safely function in a digital world. Legislators, and society in general, are still struggling to find the right answers.' She said: 'The evidence base is still quite limited but growing all the time. As a committee, we felt strongly that 'something has to be done' but actions need to be evidence-based.' Calling for guidance to ensure a consistent approach across the country, she emphasised the importance of parental engagement and being mindful of teachers' workloads. South Wales East MS Natasha Asghar, the Conservatives' shadow education secretary, similarly said: 'We cannot continue with the… status quo – something needs to give.' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar But Ms Asghar went further than the committee in supporting an outright ban on smartphones, save for exceptional circumstances such as medical needs. She told the Senedd: 'Mobile phones can indeed be a major distraction, taking our students' focus away from learning, which is exactly what schools are for.' Ms Asghar pointed to research showing pupils in schools with an effective ban achieved GCSE results up to two grades higher compared to children in schools with laxer policies. Criticising plans to let Welsh schools set their own restrictions, she said: 'The evidence shows that simply doesn't work, with one in eight pupils saying schools never confiscate phones even when rules forbidding them are indeed ignored.' With more and more countries 'waking up to the damage phones are doing in our schools', Ms Asghar called for a non-ambiguous approach to ensure consistency. She said: 'I believe a ban, which sees phones locked up at the start of each school day in lockers and retrieved at the end of the day, is the best approach. It's the right thing for teachers, it's the right thing for children and it's the right thing for parents.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, suggested national guidance with local implementation by schools would be the best way ahead. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Campbell said: 'We have to strike the right balance… between not harming learners – and there is evidence, of course, that that's happening – and, on the other hand, preparing them for the technical world we live in today.' John Griffiths emphasised the importance of considering screen use at home as well as in school, with children from 'alarmingly' young ages spending a lot of time on smartphones. The Labour Senedd Member, who represents Newport East, expressed concerns about psychologists being drafted in to make mobile phone games as addictive as possible. 'I see evidence of that in my own family, as I'm sure just about everyone else does,' he said. Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, agreed phones can be more of a problem at home with children staying up late at night. 'Very often that's when the bullying happens, at home rather than at school,' he said. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Backing an outright ban, the Tories' Gareth Davies raised restrictions introduced by France from 2018 with a 'digital pause' seeing pupils hand over phones at the start of the day. Lynne Neagle set out the Welsh Government's formal response to the report, accepting three of the committee's five recommendations in full and the other two in principle. Wales' education secretary said: 'Like the committee, I recognise that an outright national ban does not allow the space for schools to manage the needs of their learners. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education 'Our approach has always been to give schools autonomy to make decisions on the use of mobile phones… however, I also recognise the need for additional support.' Ms Neagle told the Senedd an expert group will examine mobile phone use, developing national guidance and exemptions alongside the wider school community.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Senedd debates calls for smartphone-free schools
SENEDD Members warned 'something must be done' with smartphones causing disruption in classrooms and fuelling mental health problems among pupils. Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the petitions committee, led a debate in the Senedd on May 14 amid a growing chorus of calls for restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The committee launched an inquiry in response to a 3,369-name petition submitted by Zena Blackwell, publishing a report with recommendations for the Welsh Government. Ms Thomas told the Senedd her committee found no clear consensus, urging Welsh ministers to introduce national guidance rather than an outright ban. Pointing out that 83% of children have a smartphone by Year 6, she said: 'Classroom teachers… told us phones cause all sorts of problems in schools, we heard some quite shocking evidence on this.' But she raised evidence from the children's commissioner, NSPCC, Barnardo's, and Parents Voices in Wales, which all expressed concerns about a ban. The Labour politician, who represents North Wales, pointed to evidence from Diabetes UK that smartphones help children manage their condition throughout the schoolday. Labour MS Carolyn Thomas Ms Thomas added that exemptions could be required for young carers and disabled or neurodivergent children who may similarly rely on their smartphones. 'We all struggle with the addictive nature of phones,' she said. 'There's the strong argument that children are that much more vulnerable and need greater protection. 'But they also need to learn how to safely function in a digital world. Legislators, and society in general, are still struggling to find the right answers.' She said: 'The evidence base is still quite limited but growing all the time. As a committee, we felt strongly that 'something has to be done' but actions need to be evidence-based.' Calling for guidance to ensure a consistent approach across the country, she emphasised the importance of parental engagement and being mindful of teachers' workloads. South Wales East MS Natasha Asghar, the Conservatives' shadow education secretary, similarly said: 'We cannot continue with the… status quo – something needs to give.' South Wales East Senedd Member Natasha Asghar But Ms Asghar went further than the committee in supporting an outright ban on smartphones, save for exceptional circumstances such as medical needs. She told the Senedd: 'Mobile phones can indeed be a major distraction, taking our students' focus away from learning, which is exactly what schools are for.' Ms Asghar pointed to research showing pupils in schools with an effective ban achieved GCSE results up to two grades higher compared to children in schools with laxer policies. Criticising plans to let Welsh schools set their own restrictions, she said: 'The evidence shows that simply doesn't work, with one in eight pupils saying schools never confiscate phones even when rules forbidding them are indeed ignored.' With more and more countries 'waking up to the damage phones are doing in our schools', Ms Asghar called for a non-ambiguous approach to ensure consistency. She said: 'I believe a ban, which sees phones locked up at the start of each school day in lockers and retrieved at the end of the day, is the best approach. It's the right thing for teachers, it's the right thing for children and it's the right thing for parents.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, suggested national guidance with local implementation by schools would be the best way ahead. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Mr Campbell said: 'We have to strike the right balance… between not harming learners – and there is evidence, of course, that that's happening – and, on the other hand, preparing them for the technical world we live in today.' John Griffiths emphasised the importance of considering screen use at home as well as in school, with children from 'alarmingly' young ages spending a lot of time on smartphones. The Labour Senedd Member, who represents Newport East, expressed concerns about psychologists being drafted in to make mobile phone games as addictive as possible. 'I see evidence of that in my own family, as I'm sure just about everyone else does,' he said. Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, agreed phones can be more of a problem at home with children staying up late at night. 'Very often that's when the bullying happens, at home rather than at school,' he said. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell Backing an outright ban, the Tories' Gareth Davies raised restrictions introduced by France from 2018 with a 'digital pause' seeing pupils hand over phones at the start of the day. Lynne Neagle set out the Welsh Government's formal response to the report, accepting three of the committee's five recommendations in full and the other two in principle. Wales' education secretary said: 'Like the committee, I recognise that an outright national ban does not allow the space for schools to manage the needs of their learners. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education 'Our approach has always been to give schools autonomy to make decisions on the use of mobile phones… however, I also recognise the need for additional support.' Ms Neagle told the Senedd an expert group will examine mobile phone use, developing national guidance and exemptions alongside the wider school community.
North Wales Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Senedd debate considers impact of smartphone-free schools
Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the petitions committee, led a debate in the Senedd on May 14 amid a growing chorus of calls for restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The committee launched an inquiry in response to a 3,369-name petition submitted by Zena Blackwell, publishing a report with recommendations for the Welsh Government. Ms Thomas told the Senedd her committee found no clear consensus, urging Welsh ministers to introduce national guidance rather than an outright ban. Pointing out that 83% of children have a smartphone by year six, she said: 'Classroom teachers… told us phones cause all sorts of problems in schools, we heard some quite shocking evidence on this.' But she raised evidence from the children's commissioner, NSPCC, Barnardo's and Parents Voices in Wales, which all expressed concerns about a ban. The Labour politician, who represents North Wales, pointed to evidence from Diabetes UK that smartphones help children manage their condition throughout the schoolday. Carolyn Thomas MS (Image: Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd Reporter) Ms Thomas added that exemptions could be required for young carers and disabled or neurodivergent children who may similarly rely on their smartphones. 'We all struggle with the addictive nature of phones,' she said. 'There's the strong argument that children are that much more vulnerable and need greater protection. 'But they also need to learn how to safely function in a digital world. Legislators, and society in general, are still struggling to find the right answers.' She said: 'The evidence base is still quite limited but growing all the time. As a committee, we felt strongly that 'something has to be done' but actions need to be evidence-based.' Calling for guidance to ensure a consistent approach across the country, she emphasised the importance of parental engagement and being mindful of teachers' workloads. Natasha Asghar, the Conservatives' shadow education secretary, similarly said: 'We cannot continue with the… status quo – something needs to give.' But Ms Asghar went further than the committee in supporting an outright ban on smartphones, save for exceptional circumstances such as medical needs. She told the Senedd: 'Mobile phones can indeed be a major distraction, taking our students' focus away from learning, which is exactly what schools are for.' Ms Asghar pointed to research showing pupils in schools with an effective ban achieved GCSE results up to two grades higher compared to children in schools with laxer policies. Criticising plans to let Welsh schools set their own restrictions, she said: 'The evidence shows that simply doesn't work, with one in eight pupils saying schools never confiscate phones even when rules forbidding them are indeed ignored.' With more and more countries 'waking up to the damage phones are doing in our schools", Ms Asghar called for a non-ambiguous approach to ensure consistency. She said: 'I believe a ban, which sees phones locked up at the start of each school day in lockers and retrieved at the end of the day, is the best approach. It's the right thing for teachers, it's the right thing for children and it's the right thing for parents.' Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru's shadow education secretary, suggested national guidance with local implementation by schools would be the best way ahead. Mr Campbell said: 'We have to strike the right balance… between not harming learners – and there is evidence, of course, that that's happening – and, on the other hand, preparing them for the technical world we live in today.' John Griffiths emphasised the importance of considering screen use at home as well as in school, with children from 'alarmingly' young ages spending a lot of time on smartphones. The Labour Senedd member, who represents Newport East, expressed concerns about psychologists being drafted in to make mobile phone games as addictive as possible. 'I see evidence of that in my own family, as I'm sure just about everyone else does,' he said. Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, agreed phones can be more of a problem at home with children staying up late at night. 'Very often that's when the bullying happens, at home rather than at school,' he said. Backing an outright ban, the Tories' Gareth Davies raised restrictions introduced by France from 2018 with a 'digital pause' seeing pupils hand over phones at the start of the day. Lynne Neagle set out the Welsh Government's formal response to the report, accepting three of the committee's five recommendations in full and the other two in principle. Wales' education secretary said: 'Like the committee, I recognise that an outright national ban does not allow the space for schools to manage the needs of their learners. 'Our approach has always been to give schools autonomy to make decisions on the use of mobile phones… however, I also recognise the need for additional support.' Ms Neagle told the Senedd an expert group will examine mobile phone use, developing national guidance and exemptions alongside the wider school community.
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Senedd debates call for smartphone-free schools in Wales
Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the petitions committee, led a debate in the Senedd on May 14 amid a growing chorus of calls for restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The committee launched an inquiry in response to a 3,369-name petition submitted by Zena Blackwell, publishing a report with recommendations for the Welsh Government. Ms Thomas told the Senedd her committee found no clear consensus, urging Welsh ministers to introduce national guidance rather than an outright ban. Natasha Asghar, the Conservatives' shadow education secretary, similarly said: 'We cannot continue with the… status quo – something needs to give.' But Ms Asghar went further than the committee in supporting an outright ban on smartphones, save for exceptional circumstances such as medical needs. She told the Senedd: 'Mobile phones can indeed be a major distraction, taking our students' focus away from learning, which is exactly what schools are for.' Ms Asghar pointed to research showing pupils in schools with an effective ban achieved GCSE results up to two grades higher compared to children in schools with laxer policies. Criticising plans to let Welsh schools set their own restrictions, she said: 'The evidence shows that simply doesn't work, with one in eight pupils saying schools never confiscate phones even when rules forbidding them are indeed ignored. 'I believe a ban, which sees phones locked up at the start of each school day in lockers and retrieved at the end of the day, is the best approach. It's the right thing for teachers, it's the right thing for children and it's the right thing for parents.' John Griffiths emphasised the importance of considering screen use at home as well as in school, with children from 'alarmingly' young ages spending a lot of time on smartphones. The Labour Senedd member, who represents Newport East, expressed concerns about psychologists being drafted in to make mobile phone games as addictive as possible. 'I see evidence of that in my own family, as I'm sure just about everyone else does,' he said. Lynne Neagle set out the Welsh Government's formal response to the report, accepting three of the committee's five recommendations in full and the other two in principle. Wales' education secretary said: 'Like the committee, I recognise that an outright national ban does not allow the space for schools to manage the needs of their learners." Ms Neagle told the Senedd an expert group will examine mobile phone use, developing national guidance and exemptions alongside the wider school community.
