UNESCO calls for global ban on mobile phones in classrooms

UNESCO, the culture, science and education arm of the UN, has called for smartphones to be banned from the classroom to improve learning and protect children from online bullying. A new report has also highlighted the lack of appropriate governance and regulation of technology in education and have urged countries to ensure that technology does not replace in-person, teacher-led instruction. They remain committed to ensuring quality education for all and point to the inequity that can exist in online learning. UNESCO point to the collaborative and social aspects of education that should be enshrined and developed.

At nasen, we are keen that technology is used to support independence and that the potential to increase access and decrease teacher workload so they can support young people more effectively, is a key part of the use of technology. With smartphones having so many accessibility features that young people now have at their fingertips outside of the classroom, it seems detrimental to insist on a blanket ban. The social aspect of learning is not always at the forefront of schools thinking with such high accountability measures. Used appropriately, technology can enhance and bring the world into the classroom. More debate around what is appropriate, how technology is enabling more learners to access learning equitably and keeping the needs of the learner at the heart of any decisions is needed.