New Zealand to ban mobile phone use in schools

SGGPO December 1, 2023 11:51

On December 1, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that the New Zealand Government will ban the use of mobile phones in schools across the country. Students will have to hand in their phones at the beginning of the day and pick them up when they leave.

Students are increasingly distracted in class by using their phones. Photo: RNZ

In 2022, researchers at the New Zealand Centre for Charitable Education warned of a “crisis” after discovering that over 30% of 15-year-old teenagers rarely read or write. The researchers stressed the urgent need for solutions to address this alarming situation in New Zealand.

In response to this situation, Prime Minister Luxon announced he would ban the use of mobile phones in schools within the first 100 days of his term, implementing a policy that has already been tested in the US, UK, and France.

New Zealand schools once prided themselves on having some of the highest literacy rates in the world . However, literacy levels among students there have declined to the point where some researchers fear a crisis is imminent.

The move will help students focus more on their studies, Prime Minister Luzon said, according to the NZHerald. Some studies have shown that learning outcomes improved by 6.5% after the ban. Banning the use of these devices during breaks will also help improve health and social skills.

Since 2021, Queen Margaret College has implemented a no-phone policy.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/new-zealand-se-cam-su-dung-dien-thoai-di-dong-trong-truong-hoc-post716486.html