From next Monday, May 6, there will no longer be mobile phones in classrooms in Valencia. At least in all non-university universities. The Government of Valencia, through the Ministry of Education, announced this measure, which will come into force from next week, as announced by the autonomous entity. À Bet.

Because this is important. It is stated that the indiscriminate use of mobile phones in schools is a factor that leads to distraction and harassment among students.

This new regulation will only allow the center to be used under very specific circumstances, such as supervised educational activities that are part of the educational project or for health reasons subject to the centre’s approval.

Situation so far. To date, each center has had the autonomy to set its own policies regarding mobile phone use, leading to a lack of uniformity in the management of these devices.

The new measure, announced by Minister José Antonio Rovira, will be mandatory in all educational centers receiving public funds in the Valencian Community. Each center must now establish the protocol for removing, storing and returning devices. Other communities, such as Catalonia, opted for more reserved measures a few months ago.

Expected effect. With this new policy, a more focused and safer school environment for students is expected, as well as a reduction in cyberbullying incidents. In line with the devastating report published by Norway a few days ago, which analyzed the consequences following a similar ban.

Other European countries, such as Italy, had already regulated this figure since 2007; France, since 2018; or the United Kingdom in recent months. Although there is no consensus on its consequences, a report by UNESCO calls for its presence to be regulated as it is the biggest source of distraction for students.

Background. This decision solidifies the gradual trend change that the smartphone figure has undergone in recent years; Its effects on our ability to concentrate are increasingly being studied and become even more important for those who are not yet fully developed and in the smartphone age. The stage that will determine a good part of your future.

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Featured image | via Xataka Midjourney