Yesterday the Government approved the much-demanded instructions on the use of mobile phones in schools. This is a document for schools and institutes that leaves centers the possibility of total prohibition or restriction to a specific educational use. For students this will be the situation starting in the next academic year 2024-2025.
Will primary school students be able to carry cell phones?
If the student is in kindergarten or primary school (from 3 to 12 years old), the cell phone is expressly prohibited. It cannot be used during all school hours, both school and non-school. And it affects the time spent in the morning, before classes start, midday, the dining room and any extracurricular and complementary activities at the center. If a student carries a mobile phone, it must always be turned off and the center can keep it in a safe space.
Will ESO students be able to carry their cell phones?
Carry it, yes; use it, no. The ESO student (from 12 to 16 years old) must turn it off from the moment he enters and until he leaves the institute. He will not be able to use it in any space. Not in the patio, nor the bathroom, nor the hallway, nor the dining room or the library. Only in the classroom and if the teacher so indicates. The center will choose between a total ban or a restriction on educational uses. In the first case, teachers will only use computers as devices. In the second, they will be able to define some specific activities, such as projects, geolocation, recording videos for news…
Can it stay in the backpack or will it have to be left when entering?
The centers will make a decision on the matter. For example, they can allow it to stay in the backpack as long as it is turned off. Or at the box office if you have one. Some institutes offer a specific box.
Will they be able to use it in extracurricular classes at the center itself?
No. The measurement is the same. The relationship between classmates and with teachers is promoted, so screens are avoided. Leisure time with games and physical exercises will be prioritized. An exception is made if the activity requires a mobile phone and the responsible adult ensures its proper use, especially in fundamental rights and data protection.
And on excursions, camps or trips?
Nor, unless the teacher gives permission exceptionally and as long as the teenagers make good use of it.
Can it be used on the school bus?
Yes, in this case it is allowed.
What happens if a student is caught looking at their cell phone?
You will be searched until the end of the school day and the family will be called. Teachers will not be able to look at the content of the mobile phone. And a sanctioning measure that will have been previously foreseen will be applied.
What happens if the student does not want to hand over the cell phone to the teacher after being caught using it?
It will be considered a “very serious offense” and a disciplinary file will be opened.
Will teachers be able to use it in class or outside of class?
There is no prohibition for teachers. The faculty has to agree on the limits. The document refers to the expectation that teachers will act “consistently” with the rule that prohibits mobile phones in all spaces and time slots. an “exemplary use.” Remember that they are “reference models.”
And the dining and leisure monitors?
It is recommended that there be debate and a consensus be reached, but it would go in the same direction as the teaching staff. Also the non-educational staff of the center.
Will there be consequences if the rules are broken?
Minor offenses are breaches that do not affect coexistence or fundamental rights and data protection. The teacher will seize the cell phone and call the family. For example, your cell phone ringing in your backpack. A serious or very serious offense is one that harms the rest of the colleagues or the center staff. For example, photographing or recording humiliating images of another student or a teacher. In this case, the cell phone remains in custody and a file is opened. Students and their families must be informed of what is considered non-compliance, offenses and even crimes, as well as the sanctions they entail.
Will high school and vocational training students be able to use it?
The regulatory framework is relaxed in post-compulsory studies (students aged 16 to 20). Although, regardless of age, it prevents its use in the classroom unless it is needed for an educational activity and the teacher promotes its use. Let each center decide how it will be used in the rest of the spaces and times. In any case, emphasize that the responsibility for the device will be the student’s.
Are there any exceptions?
A series of exceptions are established in this regulatory framework motivated by health issues (monitoring vital signs, for example), by specific educational needs (if an application is required to participate or communicate with others, for example, if the student does not speak official languages), in unique activities (some project), outings or trips, on school transportation or in case of emergency.
And the centers that already use mobile phones as a learning tool?
In addition, there are centers that may exceptionally request authorization from the administration for widespread use of mobile phones in their center because the educational project justifies it. Previously, the school board must approve the proposal with a vote in favor of two-thirds of the community. To authorize it, the request must include the project in which the objectives and necessary activities are specified.
