**Concerns Raised Over Welsh Language Usage Outside Schools Among Young People**
A newly published report by the Welsh Language Commissioner has sparked debate over the future of Welsh, highlighting a troubling trend: young people across Wales are using the language far less outside the classroom. The comprehensive study, which canvassed the views and experiences of 1,600 individuals aged between 11 and 21, found a limited level of Welsh language usage in social settings, particularly online and on platforms like social media.
The report comes at a pivotal time for Welsh language policy, coinciding with the anticipated Royal Assent of the Welsh Language and Education Bill. Its findings are based on a series of focus groups and questionnaires that spanned 18 out of 22 local authority areas, offering a broad snapshot of attitudes and behaviours toward Welsh language use outside formal education.
One of the central takeaways from the research is that English remains the dominant medium of communication among Wales’s youth, especially in online spaces. Many participants cited the practicality of using English on social media, as it is more widely understood and accessible to larger audiences. This echoes broader patterns seen in minority language communities worldwide, where digital communication often favours dominant languages for ease and reach.
Nonetheless, not all the findings reflect a decline. The report shows that among fluent Welsh speakers and those brought up in Welsh-speaking homes or who have received Welsh-medium education, pride in their linguistic ability remains strong. Many in this group said they feel positively about their language skills, which suggests a solid foundation on which to build.
However, a “significant minority” of young respondents expressed negative views or indifference towards the Welsh language. Some said they saw Welsh as irrelevant to their daily lives, or even a “waste of time”. Notably, this attitude was less common among those who had been educated in Welsh, suggesting the environment in which the language is learned matters significantly.
Efa Gruffudd Jones, the Welsh Language Commissioner, emphasised the implications of the findings. She warned that even among fluent speakers and those raised with Welsh, the fact that it is rarely used outside school environments poses a genuine threat to efforts aimed at revitalising the language. According to Jones, “Intensified action” is required to motivate more consistent Welsh usage beyond academic settings.
The study also revealed that young people are generally more likely to use Welsh in the context of sporting activities, particularly when engaging with coaches and leaders, than in purely social situations. This may be due to the presence of structured activities, organised by Welsh-speaking community groups or sports associations, which foster a supportive environment for language use. In contrast, Welsh is much less likely to be heard on the high street or in online conversations, where the pervasiveness of English is overwhelming.
Commenting on the broader implications, Myfanwy Jones, director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru—a community initiative aimed at supporting the Welsh language—called for a wider range of opportunities for young people to use Welsh outside of schools. Both she and other stakeholders argued that changing attitudes and behaviours requires a concerted effort from the Welsh Government and partner organisations, to ensure that young people view Welsh as a living, relevant part of their identity.
Political figures have voiced concerns too. Cefin Campbell, the education spokesperson for Plaid Cymru and Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, described the findings as “disappointing”, noting stagnation in the percentage of pupils being educated through Welsh over the past decade. He called for increased funding for community and extra-curricular programmes, alongside implementation of recent recommendations to nurture Welsh-speaking communities.
NSPCC Cymru also weighed in on the digital aspect of the dilemma, highlighting child protection risks inherent in bilingual and multilingual online interactions. The charity urged further research to guarantee that safeguarding measures are equally effective for children interacting in Welsh or switching between Welsh and English online.
In response, a Welsh Government spokesperson reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to doubling daily use of the Welsh language by 2050, promising continued investment in free Welsh language lessons and technologies to promote bilingualism across Wales.
As the Commissioner’s research formally launches at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru National Eisteddfod, it is clear that significant challenges remain. Despite pockets of positivity, major barriers must be addressed to secure the growth and vibrancy of the Welsh language for generations to come. The question now is whether policy and community action can effectively translate classroom-based enthusiasm into everyday language practice across all contexts in Welsh society.