Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has rubber-stamped the government’s diploma, approved by parliament, limiting the use of smartphones in schools for the youngest pupils (from ages 6 to around 12: taking in the 1st and 2nd school ‘cycles’).
In a short note published on the official website of the presidency today, Marcelo referred to the results of this new policy being evaluated in the future, for ‘pedagogical interest’.
The reasons behind the change lie in the fact that children are often ‘distracted’ if they have these devices on during lessons. Anecdotal reports suggest many enjoy being able to learn with the knowledge that their smartphones are not filling up with messages while they try to concentrate.
For parents who want still the ability to contact their children during school hours, mobile phones without an internet connection will be allowed. ND
