In relation to the debate in the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Culture on the use of mobile phones in public secondary schools, and in particular in relation to the placement of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (YPAN) clarifies the following :
- According to research by global organizations including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the excessive use of mobile phones is a "scourge" for young people and especially for male and female students. Research (list of sources and studies/research will be submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Culture), shows that excessive use of mobile phones is associated with mental disorders, anxiety, depression, concentration problems, as well as distraction from the course. Therefore, both UNESCO and OECD make strict recommendations to ban the use of mobile phones in schools. Many countries have already moved ahead with a ban, while others are planning a ban as soon as possible.
– Reports that banning the use of cell phones in schools constitutes a lack of trust in students are devoid of logical arguments. It should be noted that, already, in secondary schools, the use of mobile phones is not allowed during lessons. The Ministry of the Interior's proposal for a ban also during non-teaching time is based on evidence that links the use of mobile phones during this time with an increase in incidents of violence, delinquency and online bullying.
- With the concurrence of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, Regulations were passed a few weeks ago to ban the carrying and use of mobile phones in Primary Education. The diametrically opposed approach to discussions on Secondary Education is a cause for concern, taking into account the fact that, proven, the problem is clearly greater for older children.
– In cases where there are serious reasons, which will be determined by relevant circulars, children will be able to use their mobile phone. For this reason, it will be allowed to carry it, deactivated, in their school bag.
– The Ministry of Education attaches particular importance to the use of technology by our students, with judicious use, where and where it is needed and can be beneficial. Therefore, it has already progressed in equipping the classrooms with modern technology, in the integration of digital literacy skills from an early age in children through the Analytical Programs and in the training of parents in the subjects of digital literacy. Additionally, for educational purposes to be determined by the teacher, the use of mobile phones in the classroom will be allowed.
– The all-round and balanced development of students, as well as their overall well-being, is a priority for the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. A learning process without interventions is promoted, with the aim of improving the performance of students, but also promoting their social interaction within the school.
- The creation of a supportive learning environment at school and the effort to improve the learning results as well as the mental and physical health of children must be a common goal of all, the State, institutions, parents and students. On behalf of the Ministry of the Interior, it reaffirms its determination to take pedagogic evidence-based measures, which will contribute to the achievement of the objectives set which focus on the well-intentioned interest of our children and young people
