Catalonia Bans Mobile Phones in Secondary Education as Part of Digital Responsibility Initiative
In a significant move towards promoting a healthier digital environment in schools, the Generalitat of Catalonia has announced that mobile phones will be banned in secondary education starting from the next academic year. This ban extends beyond the already enforced prohibition in primary schools, meaning smartphones will not be allowed for any purposes, including those used for pedagogical activities.
During a press conference on Friday, Esther Niubó, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, elaborated on this initiative as part of the Responsible Digitalization Plan. This plan was developed after consultations with a panel of experts and marks a proactive step in regulating technology use among students aged 12 to 16.
The newly enacted policy also reflects a philosophical shift regarding the exposure children have to technology at an early age. As part of the plan, the government intends to progressively limit the use of digital whiteboards and tablets in early childhood educational settings for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Manuel Armayones, a psychologist and expert in digital health, emphasized the rationale behind the decision, stating, "Networks are designed to provide us with dopamine, dopamine, and dopamine, and they do not allow us to think." His remarks underscore the concerns surrounding the addictive nature of digital devices and the importance of fostering a more responsible approach to technology use.
This sweeping ban is poised to change the educational landscape in Catalonia, encouraging students to engage more with their surroundings and peers, free from the distractions of mobile technology. As educational institutions worldwide grapple with the role of technology in classrooms, Catalonia's policy may serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives in other regions, aiming to safeguard the mental well-being of students and promote healthier habits as they navigate an increasingly digital world.
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