A circular signed by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara was distributed to schools on Tuesday, which includes guidelines for the use of mobile phones and similar electronic devices in classrooms, La Stampa reported, citing Rador.

The ban on the use of mobile phones during classes is confirmed “because it is an element of distraction for yourself and others and lack of respect for teachers, for whom the priority is to restore authority”, says Minister Valditara.

The circular does not provide for disciplinary sanctions. Use of cell phones and other electronic devices may be permitted for educational purposes.

The ban on the use of mobile phones during classes is thus confirmed in a ministerial circular, “as it is an element of distraction to one’s own and others’ attention and lack of respect for teachers”, as already established by the Government. The 1998 Student Charter and Ministerial Circular No. 30 of 2007. “The interests of pupils and students that we must protect is to stay in the classroom to learn,” says Minister Giuseppe Valditara.

The phone distracts the attention of students, does not allow them to follow the lessons with benefit, and is also disrespectful to the figure of the teacher, for whom the restoration of authority is a priority. The shared interest I intend to pursue is a serious school that re-prioritises learning and engagement.”

A recent survey conducted by the 7th Senate Committee also highlighted the harmful effects of careless use of electronic devices on the concentration, memory and critical thinking of young people.

School should be a place where the talents and creativity of young people are brought out and not nullified by repeated abuse of mobile phones. “The circular does not introduce disciplinary sanctions, we appeal to a sense of responsibility.

We also call on schools to enforce the current rules and promote, if necessary, more stringent additions to the rules and learning co-responsibility pacts to effectively prevent the misuse of these devices.”

The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices can obviously be allowed with the permission of the teacher and in accordance with school rules for educational, inclusive and learning purposes, and within the objectives of the National Digital School Plan (PNSD) and “digital citizenship”.

The health risks to children that may arise from the continuous use of mobile phones are highlighted in the final report, which is distributed as an appendix to the circular stating the inquiry carried out in the last Parliament by the 7th Senate Committee: “the impact of digital technologies on students, with particular with an emphasis on learning processes”. (photo: Dreamstime)