The Cabinet’s recent decision to enforce a comprehensive ban on the use and activation of mobile phones during school hours, including breaks, was set to be reviewed by the Parliament’s Plenary.
However, differing views during the Education Committee’s discussion prevented its immediate referral to the Plenary.
A division of opinions has emerged among MPs and stakeholders.
Some support the Government’s proposal to ban mobile phone use, while others disagree, advocating for the ban to extend to breaks, or opposing the proposal entirely, arguing for students’ freedom to use their phones.
Teachers and school principals back the mobile phone ban but express concerns.
Many schools, particularly high schools, already enforce this policy through internal rules, allowing students to carry phones but prohibiting their use during school hours.
Educational sources have suggested to philenews that a ban on mobile phones during breaks may be implemented as a school policy until the state-level situation is clarified.
Reports indicate that some secondary schools have already adopted this policy, banning phone use during both school hours and breaks, with students aware of the rules from the start.
Incidents of violence, deviant behaviour, and inappropriate content recorded by students during class hours are causing additional concerns for educators.
While current legislation and regulations already ban mobile phone use in classrooms, significant issues persist during breaks or in areas with limited supervision, such as toilets.
