UNESCO report suggests banning smartphones in schools
A report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has suggested removing access to smartphones from children in schools. The report, based on studies in 14 countries, said that “[m]ere proximity to a mobile device was found to distract students and to have a negative impact on learning”.
Banning smartphones in schools could enhance learning and help protect children from cyberbullying, the report said.
The ‘Global Education Monitoring Report 2023’, subtitled ‘Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?’ was published recently.
The report said digital technology in education is useful but “large-scale international assessment data” suggested “excessive ICT” (information and communication technology) has a negative impact on learning.
The aim of the use of digital technology, therefore, should be on “learning outcomes” and not on “digital inputs”, that is, devices.
