Greece: No more mobile phones in schools

On the ban on the use of mobile phones by students Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced in schools.

As a government representative clarified, Mobile phones to be banned in schoolsand students will only be allowed to use them for medical reasons. Pavlos Marinakis noted that the measure to ban mobile phones is enshrined in law in many European countries, such as Belgium, so it will be applied in Greece as well.

Asked whether the measure would be extended to include students' commutes to school, Pavlos Marinakis said: “Mobile phone in the bag. Obviously, students can keep their mobile phone in their bag in case of emergency, but taking it out of the bag is prohibited for obvious reasons. Everyone agrees that this is an obvious step by the government.”he said.

“Mobile phones have no place in schools,” – the prime minister said Kyriakos Mitsotakis and emphasized: “We will begin this work this year and want to get the support of all students, parents and teachers. A student may bring a mobile phone to school, but it must be kept in the bag throughout the school day. The reason why we want to be very persistent in this endeavor is very simple. Scientific evidence on how mobile phone use during the school day impacts learning itself is a catalyst. From distraction to other important issues, it is clear that cell phones have no place in schools during the daytime.”

As stated Prime Minister: “Mobile in a bag” is the motto with which we want to open schools this academic year. This is a new attempt. I want to emphasize that many European countries are moving in this direction. We do not aim to achieve 100% compliance the first time, but we do want to explain to children, parents and teachers why it is important for a student to be fully engaged in the educational process at school.

Using tablets when needed, but without the distractions that unfortunately inevitably come with students spending long hours on social media platforms. And I think all parents understand perfectly well what I'm talking about. Therefore, we are starting this major work with the beginning of the new school year, and I think that it can only bring positive results for the educational process in our schools.”

It is noted that in case of use mobile phone V school a whole range of punishments is provided, starting from an hour-long suspension from school and ending with a change of school environment. In particular, in the case of recording, photographing or videotaping a teacher or student, a measure in the form of suspension from classes for a period of up to three (3) or up to five (5) days, depending on the severity of the incident. If the incident involves particularly important personal data, then a pedagogical measure to change the school environment is applied.

Earlier, circulars from education ministers on the ban on the use of mobile phones did not provide for any punishments. Now there will be specific sanctions for using a mobile phone – suspension from classes for several days.

Author's note:

I wonder how strictly this law will be enforced in Greek schools, given the Greeks' (especially young people's) dislike of coercion and law enforcement.

Your opinion?

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