The Ministry of Education is officially recording cases of students being referred to psychologists due to mobile phone addiction, following the implementation of the ban on mobile phones in schools. Education Minister Athena Michaeilidou highlighted the issue in a written response to a question from DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis, noting that the ban on mobile phones did not merely pose challenges in enforcement. According to the Ministry, it revealed cases of students with a strong dependence on their devices, to the extent that referral to the Educational Psychology Service was deemed necessary, with parental consent.
According to Michaeilidou, one of the key difficulties highlighted by the measure concerns some children’s addiction to mobile phones and the “culture” of constant use they had developed. Although the phenomenon is considered rare, the Ministry acknowledges that in serious cases the intervention of specialist services was required, with students referred to the Educational Psychology Service.
This official recognition is significant, as it addresses not only issues of discipline or adherence to rules but also the mental health of students.
Successful in the classroom
At the same time, the Ministry of Education finds that the implementation of the ban within classrooms has been largely successful. According to reports from school principals to the Secondary Education Directorates, the measure has had a positive impact on improving the educational environment and reducing distractions during lessons. Students are asked to leave their phones before class begins, which, it is noted, helps improve focus and engagement in the learning process.
Where the problem becomes more pronounced is outside the classroom. The Ministry reports that the greatest difficulties occur during breaks and free periods, when students continue to carry their phones and may use them in emergencies. Supervision, it is emphasised, is particularly demanding, as it requires constant vigilance by teachers and it is not always possible for the supervising teacher to have complete control over all students.
Parents not always cooperative
Michaeilidou’s response also notes other challenges schools face under the mobile phone ban, such as a lack of cooperation from parents. In some cases, this attitude complicates efforts to implement the measure uniformly and adds to a series of practical issues faced by schools. Other challenges include the lack of secure storage for mobile phones on school premises and the need for ongoing education and awareness among both students and families about the importance of complying with the rule.
The Ministry also reminds that the ban is not absolute. Mobile phone use is permitted under teacher supervision for educational purposes or in emergency situations concerning health and safety.
Full ban in primary schools
Special reference is made to primary education, where the use and even the carrying of mobile phones is prohibited, both inside and outside the school, including during excursions and visits. The ban also applies to digital watches (smartwatches). According to the Ministry, the measure is largely enforced in primary schools.