Too many smartphones in classrooms; EU mulls banning them in primary and secondary schools

Brussels – Too many smartphones at school, with too many distractions affecting learning, performance, and children’s health: In the European Parliament, the Greens are concerned about harmful customs and traditions and call for action. They urge banning the use of cell phones in primary and secondary schools, and the European Commission is not ruling out the possibility of proposing that member states ban smartphones in primary and secondary schools.

With the help of Eneset, the expert advisory body supporting the European Commission‘s directorate-general for Education and Youth (DG EAC), “the Commission is gathering evidence and practices from around the EU on the impact of mobile phone bans in schools.” All the information will be available in Brussels “by the end of 2025,” explains Education Commissioner Glenn Micallef, responding to the question raised by the Greens.

The fact that the community executive wants to see this through demonstrates an intention to work for the health and well-being of younger people. “The Commission is aware of the negative effects of digital distractions and excessive screen time, both in and outside of school,” Micallef said. “Time spent on smartphones during school hours is particularly concerning, as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show a strong link between digital distraction and learning outcomes,” the commissioner added, citing OECD data.

According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates, 65 percent of students reported being distracted by using digital devices in at least some maths lessons. In addition, 59 percent said their attention was diverted due to other students using portable devices instead of paying attention to the lessons. Those who report being distracted are also those who, in most cases, get lower grades.

Schooling and technological transformation in Europe still do not get along, with phones and smartphones continuing to be used as toys. The Commission is considering a revolution.

English version by the Translation Service of Withub