Italy has decided to ban the use of mobile phones by high school students during lessons starting from the next school year, with exceptions for students with disabilities who need their phones. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasized that the goal of the ban is to enable quieter and more focused lessons, citing research that shows the negative impact of excessive mobile phone use on students’ health, well-being, and academic performance. This measure is part of a broader European discussion on stricter rules for mobile device use in schools.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the negative impact of mobile phones on students’ mental health and academic performance, supporting the ban as a necessary step to improve educational environments and reduce distractions. They may also highlight the importance of exceptions for students with disabilities and advocate for broader educational reforms.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the ban as a balanced measure aimed at improving classroom focus and student well-being, presenting statements from the education ministry and referencing research without strong editorializing. They note the exceptions and frame the policy as part of ongoing European discussions on mobile phone use in schools.
Right: Right-leaning media may focus on the importance of discipline and order in schools, supporting the ban as a way to restore respect and concentration in classrooms. They might emphasize parental support for the measure and frame it as a response to concerns about youth behavior and societal values, while also acknowledging the exceptions for disabled students.
