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- Ελληνικά
In relation to the debate in the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Culture on the use of mobile phones in public secondary schools, and in particular in relation to the position of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (MESY) clarifies the following:
- According to research by global organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), excessive mobile phone use is a "scourge" for young people and particularly for schoolchildren. Research (a list of sources and studies/research will be submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Culture) shows that excessive use of mobile phones is linked to mental disorders, anxiety, depression, concentration problems and distraction from lessons. Therefore, both UNESCO and the OECD are making strong recommendations to ban the use of mobile phones in schools. Many countries have already introduced a ban, while others are planning a ban as soon as possible.
- Reports that banning mobile phone use in schools constitutes a lack of trust in students lack logical arguments. It should be noted that, already in secondary schools, the use of mobile phones is not allowed during lessons. The Ministry's proposal for a ban also during non-teaching time is based on evidence linking the use of mobile phones during this time to an increase in incidents of violence, delinquency and cyberbullying.
- With the agreement of the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, regulations banning the carriage and use of mobile phones in primary education were passed a few weeks ago. The diametrically opposed approach in the discussions on secondary education is a cause for concern, taking into account the fact that it has been proven that the problem is clearly greater in older children.
- In cases where there are good reasons, to be determined by relevant circulars, children will be allowed to use their mobile phones. For this reason, children will be allowed to carry their mobile phone, switched off, in their school bag.
- The Ministry of Education and Science attaches particular importance to the use of technology by our pupils, with judicious use, where and when it is needed and where it can be beneficial. That is why it has already moved forward in equipping classrooms with modern technology, in integrating digital literacy skills early on in children through the Curricula and in training parents in digital literacy issues. In addition, for educational purposes to be determined by the teacher, the use of mobile devices in the classroom will be allowed.
- The all-round and balanced development of pupils and their overall well-being is a priority for the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. A learning process without interventions and interference is promoted, with the aim of improving pupils' performance and promoting their social interaction within the school.
- The creation of a supportive learning environment at school and the effort to improve the learning outcomes, as well as the mental and physical health of children, must be a common goal of all - the State, institutions, parents and pupils.
- The creation of a supportive learning environment at school and the effort to improve the learning outcomes, as well as the mental and physical health of children, must be a common goal of all - the State, institutions, parents and pupils. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Ministry reaffirms its determination to take pedagogically sound measures that will contribute to the achievement of the objectives that have been set, which place the best interests of our children and young people at the centre.
(NZ/AF)
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