Italian School Prohibits Use of Mobile Phones in Higher Grades
Switching Off Phones in Classrooms: A Shift in Italian Education
Prepare to say goodbye to phone chats during lessons next school year in Italy, as the Ministry of School and Merit has announced a strict ban on mobile device usage across all classes. This new regulation will kick off after the summer break, as pronounced in Rome.
For the most part, phone usage was previously forbidden up until the age of approximately 15. However, exceptions were made in certain circumstances, like when a student had a disability requiring a phone.
The decree to enforce this change comes from the Education Minister, Giuseppe Valditara, a member of the right-wing Lega party. The intent behind the phone ban is to foster a more peaceful learning environment. Minister Valditara highlighted studies demonstrating the potential negative consequences of excessive or improper phone use on students' health, well-being, and academic progress. Phones will be safely stored in designated containers before classes begin.
Enhancing Education Standards
Italy has had a mobile phone ban in place for some years now, but it's been lax and sometimes ignored. Like Italy, other countries are taking measures to restrict phone usage in schools, with ongoing debates in Germany being particularly noteworthy.
Since the formation of the right-wing coalition headed by Giorgia Meloni in 2022, the Ministry of Education in Italy has rebranded itself as the 'Ministry of School and Merit,' emphasizing a focus on performance and excellence.
Similar to Italy, Hungary, New Zealand, and Catalonia (Spain) have also implemented significant restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. For instance, Hungary introduced a ban on mobile phones for students in primary and secondary schools starting from the 2024/2025 academic year[2]. Meanwhile, New Zealand imposed a ban on phone use in all state schools, with schools deciding the enforcement methods[3][4]. As for Catalonia, a full ban on cell phones for students under 16 is set to be implemented starting next academic year[5]. Each region adjusts the specifics of enforcement and allows for exemptions according to educational or health needs.
In light of the stricter regulations on mobile device usage in schools, there could be an increased emphasis on using technology for education-and-self-development resources like gadgets and smartphones, such as educational apps, in the Italian classroom. This shift may significantly impact the way students, particularly those aged 15 and above, learn and engage with information during class hours. Moreover, as more countries follow Italy's lead in restricting phone usage in educational settings, innovative strategies for integrating technology into learning become crucial for improving education standards and providing engaging, effective learning experiences.
