UNESCO calls for banning smartphones in classrooms

SGGPO 07/26/2023 16:21

According to the Guardian, the United NationsEducational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has proposed banning smartphones in schools around the world to improve students' learning ability and protect children from cyberbullying.

A ban on mobile phones in classrooms in the Netherlands comes into effect in early 2024. Source: SZ photo

In its Global Education Monitoring 2023 report, UNESCO said there was evidence that excessive mobile phone use was linked to reduced academic performance and that prolonged screen time had a negative impact on children's emotional stability.

According to UNESCO, the call to ban smartphones sends a clear message that all digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), must always be subordinate to a “human-centered vision” of education and can never replace face-to-face interaction with teachers.

UNESCO also warns policymakers against adopting digital technologies recklessly, and that new is not always better. Excessive or inappropriate use of technology by students in the classroom or at home, whether it is smartphones, tablets or laptops, can cause distraction, disruption and have a detrimental impact on learning.

The Chinese government has limited the use of digital devices as teaching tools to 30% of total teaching time; students must take regular breaks from screens.

In the Netherlands, from January 1, 2024, mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches will be banned in most classrooms, in order to limit student distraction during class.

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