Author Archives: Phone Locker

The possibility of mobile phones and smart devices being banned in schools can be traced back to 2019. In 2024, the DfE (Department for Education) issued guidance for schools on how and why they should prohibit the use of mobile phones. Here, we look at this guidance, together with real-world feedback from schools who have […]

In the evolving landscape of education, Austrian schools are maneuvering the complexities of mobile phone use with a unique approach that emphasizes autonomy and community involvement. Under the guidance of Education Minister Martin Polaschek, schools are encouraged to craft their own regulations, balancing the integration of digital media with the necessity of maintaining academic focus and student well-being. This localized decision-making process […]

Explore the growing debate over mobile phone use in Czech schools, with a focus on Vsetín’s new phone ban and its impact on education and student well-being.

How will the mobile phone ban in Albanian schools transform education, discipline, and classroom dynamics? Discover the unfolding impact.

Mobile phone policies in Polish schools differ significantly between primary and secondary institutions. Primary schools generally enforce strict bans on mobile phone use to minimize distractions and enhance focus. In contrast, secondary schools adopt a more lenient stance, allowing regulated usage during specific times. These policies are influenced by parental involvement and the recognition of students’ growing independence. Evidence indicates that restrictions can […]

Across Europe, schools are increasingly moving to restrict mobile phone use, and Spain is no exception. With students using smartphones more than ever, many educators and parents are expressing concerns about the impact on attention spans, social skills, and the classroom environment. In response, the Spanish government and various regional authorities are implementing mobile phone […]

In response to growing concerns about cyberbullying and distractions, Belgium’s French-speaking regions have instituted a ban on mobile phones in schools. This move aims to enhance focus, promote face-to-face interactions, and protect student mental health. While primary and secondary schools must comply, the decentralized Flanders region allows individual schools to set their own rules. Exceptions exist for educational uses […]

Big change happened across schools in several Canadian provinces for the 2024-2025 school year, with smartphone bans coming into force.

Slovakia’s recent ban on mobile phones in primary schools aims to improve student focus, educational outcomes, and mental well-being. This decision is influenced by evidence linking mobile phone use to reduced academic performance and impaired concentration. The ban seeks to address parental concerns about cyberbullying while fostering a balanced approach to technology use. Schools face significant enforcement challenges, requiring robust monitoring and […]

The Cyprus government is considering banning mobile phones in schools to combat classroom distractions and declining educational outcomes. Aligning with Unesco’s recommendations, proponents such as the OELMEK Teachers’ Union argue that the ban would enhance focus and reduce cyberbullying, mirroring successful bans in countries like France and Australia. However, opponents, including the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, emphasize the importance of digital literacy and […]