Mobile phone ban in schools begins
The education ministry announced on Tuesday that it was to begin enforcing legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones in secondary schools. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the director of Secondary Technical and Vocational Educ
The education ministry announced on Tuesday that it was to begin enforcing legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones in secondary schools.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the director of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training Elias Markatzis said the ministry also aims to address the issue “with an educational approach”.
Markatzis explained that a circular has been issued to schools highlighting the importance of building trust between educators and students, with the goal of helping students understand the purpose of the legislation.
“The aim is for students to grasp that the legislation is implemented for their benefit,” he said. “Enforcing the law is the responsibility of all staff members.”
The enforcement phase is intended as a transition period, during which penalties for students are not prioritised. Instead, the ministry aims to foster a culture that will lead to healthier attitudes towards mobile phone use.
Markatzis also added that the new law only applies during break times, as mobile phone use has been banned in classrooms for some years.
Regarding the instructions given to educators, who are responsible for implementing the policy, Markatzis said teachers have been advised to use persuasion and provide guidance on the new legislation, ensuring that students understand their obligation to comply.
“The intention is to carry out this transitional period smoothly and without penalties,” he said.
The ministry is also encouraging schools to create safe storage spaces for students’ belongings, as the law requires that phones be kept in bags and not easily accessible. Efforts are also underway to provide healthier activities for students during break times.
Furthermore, Markatzis clarified that there is no ban on teachers using mobile phones, as they are adults in their workplace, though they are encouraged to limit use. He stressed that teachers “have a moral obligation to set a positive example in all aspects of school life”.
“Some schools had already implemented the policy before the law’s passage, and it has functioned effectively,” he said, adding that the law allows students to use their phones in cases of specific need.
The president of the Secondary Education Teachers’ union Oelmek Dimitris Taliadoros, told the CNA that, as with other new laws, “teachers are generally understanding during the initial phase”.
“However, if a student repeatedly violates the rule, penalties outlined by law, ranging from community service to suspension, will eventually be imposed,” he said.
Regarding enforcement, Taliadoros said that teachers on duty in common areas will monitor compliance.
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