Smartphone Access Denied for Kids Up to About 12 Years Old
The Portuguese government decided to ban the use of mobile phones in schools for students from 1st to 6th grade. This means that children up to about 12 years old will not be allowed to use smartphones or other internet-connected devices at school. The new rule will start in the next school year.
Study Shows Positive Effects of the Ban
This decision is based on a study from the Center for Planning and Evaluation of Public Policies. The study showed that in schools where the use of mobile phones was already restricted, there were fewer cases of bullying and bad behavior. Also, students played more, did more physical activities, and talked more with each other during breaks.
Most Schools Did Not Follow Earlier Advice
Last year, the Ministry of Education recommended that schools stop phone use for students from 1st to 6th grade and limit it for older students. However, the advice was not widely followed.
Only 21.3% of schools in the 1st cycle and 40.9% in the 2nd cycle applied the rule. In the 3rd cycle (grades 7–9), only about a quarter of schools banned phones, and in secondary education, the number was just 7.6%.
The government’s new decision now turns that recommendation into law. Officials believe this step will help create more equal and focused learning conditions across the country.
Source: Diário de NotĂcias da Madeira
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