Italy has introduced a regulation banning the use of mobile phones by high school students during classes, starting from the new school year. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasized that the goal of the ban is to enable quieter and more focused lessons. Research shows that excessive use of mobile phones can negatively affect students’ health, well-being, and academic performance. Phones will be stored in designated lockers before classes begin. This issue is also a topic of discussion in other European countries considering stricter rules on mobile device usage in schools.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the negative impact of mobile phone overuse on students’ mental health and academic performance, supporting the ban as a necessary step to improve educational environments and student well-being. They may also highlight the importance of protecting students from digital addiction and distractions.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the ban factually, focusing on the government’s rationale to improve classroom focus and citing research on the negative effects of mobile phone use. They present the ban as a balanced measure with exceptions for students with disabilities and note similar discussions in other European countries.
Right: Right-leaning perspectives may emphasize the importance of discipline and order in schools, supporting the ban as a way to restore respect and focus in the classroom. They might also stress parental responsibility and the role of schools in enforcing rules that promote traditional educational values.
