No more phones in class
15 December 2024
The Parliament of Moldova adopted several changes to the Education Code on 13 December, including a ban on the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices during lessons. The revised law permits phones only for educational purposes, emergencies, or monitoring the health of students with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses.
 | Mihail Nesteriuc Moldova joined a growing list of countries implementing restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. This reform aligns with similar measures taken in other European countries, including France, which introduced a nationwide mobile phone ban in schools on 30 July 2018. France's policy, aimed at reducing distractions and improving students' focus, applies to students under the age of 15. Since its implementation, educators in France have reported fewer classroom disruptions and reduced incidents of online bullying, though enforcement challenges persist. In the Netherlands, a ban on mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets in schools was introduced in 2024, echoing concerns about the impact of technology on academic performance and student attention. Italy and Greece have also implemented school-wide bans, citing the need to foster better mental health and interpersonal communication among students. The broader European trend reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance technology's educational potential with its risks, including distraction and over-reliance. |
Welcome to The European Correspondent
Europe lacks true European media: in Germany alone, there are more media devoted exclusively to football than news outlets specialising on Europe. The established players mainly focus on Brussels and European institutions. The European Correspondent aims to change that. We cover the whole of Europe and write for a community of citizens who want to look beyond their own national borders. Without European journalism, there is no European civil society.
〉Read our manifesto
〉The stories we would like to write for you
Become a donor!
The European Correspondent is fully funded by its readers. We can only produce the newsletter with your support - and work towards the bigger project: building true European media. Donate now!
With your help, we can create true European journalism. Thank you!
We are non-profit. Every donated € goes directly into The European Correspondent.