Head Teachers in Carmarthenshire are trying to understand the problems causing this poor behaviour, with pupils telling the S4C Newyddion programme they had witnessed disruptive behaviour when they returned to the classroom. This included inappropriate use of social media, more pupils vaping during the school day, and more graffiti and abusive language directed towards other pupils and staff.

Pupils said they had seen children as young as 11 vaping in schools, with "shocking" language hurled at staff.

Schools in Carmarthenshire noted an increase in abuse towards staff, deliberate vandalism and vaping.

In a letter sent to parents signed by the heads of 11 Welsh schools, said that schools understood the education system since March 2020 had created a "significant burden" for everyone and although challenges faced by pupils were "becoming more and more apparent," these challenges reflected the "national picture".

Concerns were also noted about the addictive nature of vaping, which can slow brain development in teenagers and lead to smoking cigarettes.

It also said despite abusive language directed towards teachers being "wrong", sanctions do not seem to change habits. Pupils are increasingly using their phones in school and until the early hours of the morning, to perpetuate the abuse.