In the past year, the issue of phone usage in schools has become a global concern, with several countries tightening regulations and restrictions. The trend toward more stringent policies is seen across multiple nations, reflecting the growing recognition of the need to manage mobile phone use in educational settings.
For instance, Zhengzhou, a city in China, has taken significant steps to limit phone use in primary and secondary schools. The local government now requires parents to provide written consent to confirm that their child’s phone is necessary for educational purposes. This measure aims to curb distractions and ensure phones are used appropriately in school environments.
In France, the issue of phone usage has also been addressed with the introduction of a “digital break” in lower secondary schools. This initiative supplements the existing ban on phones in other educational levels, reinforcing the country’s stance on limiting screen time and promoting more face-to-face interactions and focused learning.
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Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, a notable shift has occurred as the country reversed its phone ban in schools. The decision came after significant opposition from disability groups, who argued that the ban hindered students who needed phones for medical purposes. The reversal highlights the importance of considering accessibility and individual needs when implementing such policies.
The global mapping of school phone bans, compiled by the GEM team, shows that several federal countries have introduced varying restrictions. While not all sub-national jurisdictions were included in the study, four were assessed in detail. In Australia, for instance, two of the nine territories, New South Wales and South Australia, have implemented phone bans in schools. Similarly, in Spain, most of the country’s 17 autonomous communities, with the notable exceptions of Basque Country, La Rioja, and Navarre, have followed suit with phone bans in schools.
In the United States, phone regulations in schools have seen significant expansion. Currently, 20 of the country’s 50 states have enacted some form of phone ban or regulation. For example, California passed the Phone-Free School Act, while Florida has implemented a ban on students using portable devices in K-12 classrooms.
This global movement toward more stringent phone bans in schools underscores a growing recognition of the impact of mobile phones on education and student well-being. As schools continue to grapple with the balance between technological advancements and traditional learning, these regulations reflect a broader effort to create focused, distraction-free environments conducive to academic growth.
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