UK to ban cell phone use in schools (including by teachers) – NiT

UK to ban cell phone use in schools (including by teachers)

Parents also cannot call their children, only to the school office.

This is a serious measure that is accepted in most countries. This time it is England that wants to officially ban the use of cell phones in British schools. Restricting classes is already a practice adopted by most schools, but according to “The Guardian” newspaper, the government is preparing to move forward with a law.

A ban on the use of smartphones throughout the school term (including during recess) can be implemented in a variety of ways, from forcing students to leave their cell phones at home, to allowing them to carry them with them unless they are in use. In their class.. except for the younger ones, this project is about teachers, who should not be seen using the devices – Except in urgent or absolutely necessary circumstances.

This rule is extended to those in charge of education. To contact their children, they should call the school office in accordance with UK Ministry of Education guidelines.

The move, which joins bans already taken by some educational institutions, is part of a plan to reduce distractions and improve behavior in classrooms. “He who goes to school, learns, makes these friendships, talks to people, socializes, educates himself. “You don't sit on your cell phone and send messages when you're talking to someone,” explained Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan.

In Portugal, there are many schools, both public and private, that have banned the use of these devices within the school premises or only in the classroom.

Almeirim School Group is one of the latest to join this initiative. Earlier this academic year, it banned the use of cellphones in elementary schools, joining other institutions such as the Colegio Moderno in Lisbon, which banned the devices in 2008. EB 2/3 António Alves Amorim , in Lourosa, banned cell phones throughout the stadium in 2017, six years ago.

The move to ban cellphones is supported by UNESCO's annual report, in which the organization recognizes the benefits of the technologies in learning, but warns of their risks. Interference in the physical and mental development of the youth is one of them. The report, shared in July 2023, showed that children between the ages of two and 17 were less exposed to technology and were not as healthy as those who spent less time in front of screens.