The Republic of Cyprus is preparing to ban the use of mobile phones in schools. Cypriot Education Minister Athena Michaelidou issued a statement on the issue today, saying that mobile phones distract students and lead to “anti-social” behavior.
According to Reuters, Michaelidou said authorities would enact the ban after it had been debated in parliament. The Southern Cyprus minister said the Republic of Cyprus would be one of many European countries to introduce the ban, following a recommendation by UNESCO, an organisation under the United Nations.
You can bring it to school, but you can’t open it.
Cyprus’ Minister of Education, Michaelidou, said, “It is clear that the use of mobile phones distracts students from their studies, but this is primarily linked to an increase in anti-social behavior.” Meanwhile, according to information provided by Michaelidou, students will not be banned from bringing mobile phones to school, but they will not be able to turn them on while at school.
More than 1.4 million mobile phones are in operation in southern Cyprus, which has a population of less than 1 million, according to official data.
Los Angeles is preparing a similar ban.
In another country, Los Angeles, California, USA, will ban students from using mobile phones and social media during school hours in public schools. According to US media news, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Directors approved a decision to ban students from using mobile phones and social media platforms during educational hours. Therefore, a plan regarding the decision will be made within 120 days and will come into effect in January 2025.
According to the AA, the ban decision in question concerns more than 429,000 students in Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest school district.
“The goal is to prevent distractions.”
“I think we can be a pioneer here, and the students, the whole city and the whole country will benefit as a result,” said Los Angeles Unified School District Trustee Nick Melvoin.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also voiced his support for efforts to restrict cellphone use in schools across the state. Newsom said he supports the views of U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on the issue, saying “social media harms the mental health of young people.”
In a statement yesterday, Mr Murthy believed there was a mental health “emergency” among young people and called for safety warning labels, similar to those placed on tobacco and alcohol products, on social media platforms.
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