Organised students have launched a challenge against the government’s surprise decision to ban mobile phones in schools throughout the entire school day, including breaks.
The Pancyprian Students’ Coordinating Committee (PSEM) expressed shock at the Ministerial Council’s ruling, claiming students had raised concerns about a potential ban during a meeting with the Education Ministry last week. They criticised the decision as a distraction from more pressing educational issues.
In a statement, PSEM said they were surprised by the decision “particularly considering the Ministry’s focus on trivial matters while substantive issues in education have been awaiting solutions for years.”
The student body further contested the decision-making process, stating that no consensus was reached at the aforementioned meeting and accusing the government of rushing the ban through.
“There were disagreements on the topic,” the statement continued. “We were informed of the final decision a mere three days later. We urge the Ministerial Council to prioritise addressing the long-standing problems in our education system.”
PSEM highlighted the student body’s disapproval of top-down decision-making, comparing it to past practices that continue to negatively impact education. “This approach, reminiscent of previous administrations, disregards the value of dialogue and student participation,” they said.
While acknowledging the need to regulate phone usage during lessons, PSEM argued that a complete ban on mobile devices is detrimental.
“The phone ban reinforces the already conservative environment in schools,” the statement reads. “Students are increasingly worried about superficial matters like hair and uniform inspections, rather than focusing on their education. Now, mobile phones will be added to this list.”
The student organisation presented a series of pointed questions to the Ministry:
- “Why is the Ministry unable to develop pedagogical solutions for existing problems?”
- “Following the Math curriculum fiasco and inaction on air conditioning, what prompted this sudden decision?”
- “What reaction do they expect after imposing immediate decisions without consultation, while other critical issues like classroom air conditioning remain unresolved for months?”
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