It has been a forever debate if children should be allowed to carry cell phones in schools. Various institutes all over the world permit cellular devices in institutes but they are supposed to be silenced during class or study periods.
While they can be a convenient way for learners to stay in touch with their family, mobile gadgets are also a source of massive disruption and distraction in an academic environment. What is more, it has become a tech-savvy method of passing notes in school.
Hence, in its latest move, France has now called for a complete ban of mobile phones in the country’s primary, junior and middle schools.
According to the new rule imposed by Jean-Michel Blanquer, the French education minister:
“Children will be allowed to bring their phones to school, but not allowed to get them out at any time until they leave, even during breaks”
The new decision will come into effect from the beginning of the new school year in September 2018. All students who start school at age of six to 15 years old when they start secondary school will be prohibited from using smartphones within school premises.
According to the Education Minister:
“These days, the children don’t play at break time anymore. They are just all in front of their smartphones and from an educational point of view, that’s a problem”
Here’s how parents in France are reacting to the news!
Zut alors! My daughter's school seems to encourage mobile phone use, but stops short of making them compulsory – I might be siding with the French. https://t.co/elpsctYdQ4
— Computing and ICT (@advanced_ict) December 11, 2017
France to ban mob. phones in schools in 2018. Research: "there is an improvement in student performance of 6.41% in schools that have introduced a mobile phone ban" + "banning mobile phones could be a low-cost way for schools to reduce educational inequality."
— Melanie Ralph (@lustreeducation) December 11, 2017
Many are lauding the new move by the government!
Well done France, school is for education. Not for using a mobile phone. Britain please take note of our European Colleagues taking the lead again!!
— The Flyer (@MRB152) December 11, 2017
My kids school doesn’t allow mobile phones. It’s no big deal. They bring it to school but aren’t allowed to take them out. If caught using the phone without permission. Then phone is confiscated. Simple. What’s the big fuss about France. Great idea !
— reddings (@ReddingsEq) December 11, 2017
What Do You Think?
Should schools in Pakistan allow cell phones? Let us know in the comments below.