A UN report by Unesco has recommended banning smartphones from schools to address disruptions in classrooms, improve learning, and protect children from cyberbullying, The Guardian reports.
The report highlights evidence linking excessive mobile phone use to reduced educational performance and negative effects on children's emotional stability. Unesco advocates for a human-centered approach to education, emphasizing face-to-face interactions with teachers and cautioning against an uncritical embrace of digital technology.
The proposal calls for clear objectives and principles to ensure the beneficial use of digital technology in education, while avoiding harm to students' health and democratic values. It also points out the unequal distribution of technology benefits, with many disadvantaged populations being excluded from access to digital educational infrastructure.
Unesco urges countries to prioritize learners' needs and support teachers in implementing technology in education effectively. The report notes that while online learning helped during the Covid-19 lockdowns, millions of students without internet access were left behind. Some countries, including France and the Netherlands, have already banned smartphones in schools, while others have various policies in place.
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