EUROPE MOVES TO BAN SMARTPHONES IN SCHOOLS TO BOOST LEARNING FOCUS

Sun 15 September 2024:

As the new academic year kicks off across Europe, a growing number of countries are introducing bans on smartphones in schools, driven by concerns about student distractions and peer bullying. While some nations are implementing countrywide prohibitions, others are giving individual schools the freedom to set their own policies.

The Ban Gains Momentum

Hungary’s decision to ban smartphones in schools has ignited protests from teachers, parents, and students, who labeled the move “old-fashioned.” Despite the backlash, more European countries are adopting similar measures to improve focus in classrooms and enhance learning outcomes. With the widespread use of laptops in most schools, governments argue that students already have access to essential digital tools.

In the Netherlands, the government has expanded its smartphone ban from secondary schools to include elementary schools, citing concerns about devices affecting exam results. The ban allows for exceptions related to educational needs, health conditions, or disabilities.

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Addressing Harassment and Mental Health

Belgium’s French-speaking schools, part of the Wallonia-Brussels Education Network, have followed suit with a ban starting in the 2024-2025 school year. This decision came after reports of students using smartphones to take and share images of their peers, leading to increased cases of bullying and harassment on social media.

Greece, too, has joined the movement, requiring students to keep their phones in their bags while at school. In France, a pilot program is underway in 200 middle schools, where students must lock their phones in lockers. The French government plans to expand the ban nationwide by 2025 if the pilot is successful.

Mixed Approaches Across Europe

Ireland is also considering a complete ban on smartphone use for students under 16, reflecting the continent-wide push to balance technology use with the need for uninterrupted learning.

Meanwhile, countries like Germany, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, and Croatia allow schools to set their own policies regarding smartphones. Many of these schools have opted for restrictions, seeking to create a more focused academic environment.

The Debate Continues

Although the smartphone bans have been praised for helping reduce distractions and preventing cyberbullying, critics argue that these measures may be overly restrictive. As European governments grapple with the balance between technology and education, the debate over smartphone use in schools remains a hot topic, with future policies likely to evolve based on the success of these initiatives.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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