Government plans to usage smartphones in schools are becoming increasingly interesting. In many countries there are bans on bringing electronics to schools, and now Poland is considering akin steps. The Ministry of National Education (MEN) began to analyse the impact of smartphones on education, but have we been facing drastic changes since September? Let's see what fresh regulations bring.
What are the plans of the Ministry of National Education?
Under the leadership of Barbara Nowacka, the Ministry of National Education began investigation into the impact of smartphones on educational outcomes of students. In an interview with Radio ZET, Minister Nowacka pointed out that the national ban on mobile phones in schools would not be introduced in the close future.
"The educational strategy is not yet ready for a complete ban on smartphones," emphasised Nowacka. Instead, MEN wants to realize precisely how the usage of smartphones affects youth education and improvement before taking further steps.
Local Solutions and Cooperation with Parents
Minister Nowacka pointed out that decisions on possible restrictions should be taken at the level of individual schools, in cooperation with parents. Many institutions are already introducing their own solutions, specified as telephone safes during lessons. The usage of telephones during classes is unacceptable, although in any cases teachers usage them for educational purposes.
Alternative MEN approach
Instead of imposing strict bans, MEN proposes an alternate approach. Minister Nowacka suggests that schools organize classes and activities for students during breaks, which could reduce the request to scope for phones. For example, advanced schools can make gaming tables available by encouraging young people to interact and exercise.
"The autonomy of the school and the rights of parents are crucial in regulating issues related to the usage of mobile phones," the Minister emphasises. In her opinion, regulations should take into account the specificity of the facility and local needs.
Modern Challenges and Prohibitions in another Countries
The problem of dependence on smartphones was besides noted by the erstwhile Minister of Education, Przemysław Czarnek. He argued that the introduction of a complete ban would require extended legal changes that would let specified a solution. The current regulations in Poland practically do not let individual to be deprived of ownership erstwhile entering a circumstantial building.
In many countries, specified as France, China and the Netherlands, smartphones have already been banned in schools. France introduced a national ban for primary and secondary schools in 2018 and the Netherlands plans to introduce a ban from 2024.
What awaits us in the future?
Poland faces the challenge of uncovering the right approach to utilizing smartphones in schools. MEN took the first steps to survey this problem thoroughly and make solutions that would benefit students, parents and teachers. Although a strict ban has not been foreseen since 1 September, further analysis may lead to fresh decisions in the future.
In the meantime, schools and parents can already implement their own rules on telephone usage to make a more conducive educational environment. This could be a key step towards effective management of the impact of technology on students' lives.
Continued here:
No telephone in schools since September 1st? fresh plans of the Ministry of Education
