The teachers’ union has expressed concerns over the “potential abusive or subversive use” of mobile devices in educational settings, impacting teaching methods, learning, and assessments.
This statement follows the government’s decision to ban mobile phones in schools for students up to the 6th grade, effective from the next academic year starting in September.
The Spliu union is advocating for the ban to extend from the 7th to the 12th grade, allowing exemptions at teachers’ discretion, primarily for research or other educational activities, but strictly prohibiting their use in all forms of assessment tests.
The union has suggested that classrooms be equipped with lockers for students to store their smartphones, either turned off or on silent, upon entering the classroom, with retrieval allowed after the class concludes.
On Thursday, the government enacted a decree-law regulating the use of internet-connected devices, such as smartphones, on school premises, banning them for students in the 1st and 2nd cycles of basic education from the next academic year.
The government cited findings from a study by the Center for Planning and Evaluation of Public Policies, reflecting on recommendations issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation in September 2024, regarding smartphone usage in schools.
The study, released on Thursday, revealed that over half of the schools banning smartphones reported reduced bullying and indiscipline in grades 2 and above, with most students engaging more in social interaction during breaks, physical activities, and utilizing playground facilities.
Last year, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation recommended banning smartphones up to grade 6 and limiting their use from grade 7 onward.
Approximately 21.3% of 1st cycle schools and 59.1% of 2nd cycle schools did not adopt this recommendation.
In the 3rd cycle, 24.9% of schools banned smartphone use, a measure enforced by just 7.6% of high schools.
Significant reductions in bullying and indiscipline were reported by schools implementing the ban, particularly in the 2nd cycle (59% and 53.6%, respectively), the 3rd cycle (57.8% and 57.4%), and high schools (55.6% and 59.5%).
School directors noted challenges in enforcing and applying regulations, especially in schools with multiple education levels, and advocated for a phased implementation with an awareness period.
