Education Minister, Athena Michaelidou on Wednesday announced a ban on the use of mobile phones in secondary schools during school hours.
The ban will apply to both lesson time and break time in gymnasiums (lower secondary schools) and lyceums (upper secondary schools), with exceptions made for the use of smart devices for educational purposes during lessons.
Minister Michaelidou, speaking after a Cabinet meeting, emphasised that this decision will also be discussed in Parliament, ensuring a broad conversation on the matter.
This decision is likely to provoke strong reactions from students and parents, with many seeing it as an overreach and an infringement on personal freedom.
However, the Minister and her supporters view it as a necessary step to create a more focused learning environment, free from the distractions and potential negative influences of constant mobile phone use.
The announcement comes as many countries grapple with the issue of managing screen time and device addiction among young people, with some opting for strict regulations while others focus on education and self-regulation.
