UNESCO, the educational and cultural arm of the United Nations, has recommended a worldwide ban on smartphones in classrooms in order to enhance learning and safeguard children from online bullying. According to a report by UNESCO, excessive usage of mobile phones has been associated with reduced academic performance and negatively impacts children’s emotional stability.
The UN agency warned against blindly embracing digital technology and stressed the importance of considering the social aspect of education. While acknowledging the potential of digital technology, including artificial intelligence, UNESCO emphasized that it should never replace face-to-face interaction and a human-centered approach to education.
The report emphasized that not all change represents progress, and just because something can be done doesn’t necessarily mean it should be. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay highlighted the need for the digital revolution to contribute to enhanced learning experiences and prioritize the well-being of both students and teachers.
Unesco urged countries to establish clear objectives and principles to ensure that digital technology benefits students rather than harming them. The agency indicated that excessive or inappropriate use of technology in classrooms and at home, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, can be disruptive and negatively impact learning.
Several countries have already imposed restrictions on smartphones in schools. France introduced a ban in 2018, and Finland is the latest European country to follow suit in an effort to address declining exam results. Italy also recently prohibited the use of mobile phones in schools, with teachers required to collect devices from students at the beginning of each day. The Netherlands is expected to implement similar restrictions in 2024.
While former UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson called for a mobile phone ban in schools in 2021 to improve discipline, education unions dismissed the idea as a distraction. The majority of schools in the UK already have robust policies regarding mobile phones in place, although certain practical concerns remain, such as parents needing to contact their children during travel.
In conclusion, UNESCO’s report advocates for a global ban on smartphones in classrooms, underscoring the importance of prioritizing students’ needs and supporting teachers. Balancing the benefits and risks of digital technology, the agency stresses the significance of maintaining human interaction in education. As countries worldwide become increasingly aware of the need to put learners first, limitations on mobile phone usage in schools are being implemented to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
