Schools across Europe debate phone usage in classrooms
04 September 2024
Recently, the Hungarian government, following a growing Europe-wide trend, has enacted a new regulation that forbids students of all ages (except university) from bringing their mobile phones into the classroom. According to the new rules, pupils will now have to hand over their phones when entering their school and can only get them back after classes end.
One high school in Budapest has taken to social media to announce that their institution will not take the students' phones, citing a need to foster a healthy use of digital tools instead of banning them. This did not go down well with Hungarian authorities, who, shortly after the announcement, dismissed the principal from his position. This disproportionate response clearly communicates that there is little room for negotiation and that those who do not fully comply with the new rules will be punished.
 | Erik Szilárd Boros & Jeroen Poelmans Hungary is not the only country in Europe imposing a smartphone ban in schools. From the new academic year, which kicked off in Belgium's French-speaking regions last week, hundreds of institutions from primary school to the first three years of secondary school prohibit students from using their phones in class and during recess and lunch breaks. The ban is intended to foster better concentration and reduce cyberbullying. Since the beginning of the year, the Netherlands has not only prohibited the use of smartphones in school but also banned smartwatches and tablets from classrooms. France and Ireland have also recently announced a potential regulation of digital devices. The example of Hungary, however, shows that tightening the laws doesn't come without its issues: while teachers and the general population seem to approve of the banning of mobile phones, complications have already arisen regarding the actual confiscation. While some schools have managed to hold themselves to the new rules, others are facing difficulties due to the short amount of time given to them for the implementation, as well as the lack of safe storage space and teachers' capacity to handle logistics. This additional work for teachers is a big challenge, given their shortage in many EU countries. |
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