Radical move from European country: Phones banned in schools

The Polish government has approved a bill restricting the use of mobile phones by primary school students in the school environment.

In a statement issued by the government, it was noted that the regulation, which was accepted during a cabinet meeting, prohibits students attending primary schools from using mobile phones and other electronic devices capable of recording images or sound within school buildings and during educational activities outside of school.

THE BAN WILL COVER PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The new practice will cover all students from 1st to 8th grade studying within Poland's eight-year basic education system. The regulation, which will be valid in both public and private educational institutions, also includes certain exceptions.

Uses permitted by teachers for educational purposes, special permissions granted due to health or disability conditions, and emergency situations will be kept outside the scope of the ban.

HIGH SCHOOLS WILL BE GIVEN AUTHORITY TO DECIDE

According to the bill, high school-level educational institutions will be able to completely ban the use of electronic devices or determine usage rules in accordance with their own internal regulations.

Furthermore, schools will be granted the authority to create special storage areas where students can leave their phones during class hours. When necessary, it may be made mandatory for students to keep their devices in these areas. However, checking the content of the devices will not be permitted.

The regulation is expected to enter into force as of September 1. Schools will be given until October 31 to adapt their existing internal regulations to the new rules.

The bill, which passed the cabinet, will be sent to the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish Parliament, for the continuation of the legislative process.

In the same meeting, the Polish government also approved a separate bill aimed at limiting children's access to pornographic content on the internet.

Within the scope of the regulation in question, it will become mandatory for digital service providers to use effective methods to verify the ages of their users.

SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ALSO ON THE AGENDA

With the planned regulations, the government aims to increase students' attention levels, support their mental health, and strengthen their social relationships.

It was stated that the new rules introduced for phone use in schools have come to the agenda at a time when broader regulations regarding minors' access to social media are being evaluated. These efforts also include new restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 15.

News Source: 12punto