Italy to extend and reinforce the ban on smartphones in Italian classrooms, even for teaching purposes.
This strict new policy extends the existing ban on non-academic device use, implemented in 2007 but often disregarded.
“The use of smartphones and tablets is to be banned in Italian classrooms even for teaching purposes,” declared Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara in a recent interview with Il Foglio newspaper.
The crackdown applies to kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary schools, reflecting concerns beyond academics.
“The use of smartphones and tablets can often create tension between students and teachers, sometimes also leading to acts of aggression against school staff,” Valditara explained.
Protecting both students and educators lies at the heart of this decision. “Defending the teaching staff means defending the principle of delegation and authority,” said the minister, who also reinforced the non-academic device ban through a circular upon taking office last year.
This move aligns with recommendations from UNESCO, the UN’s educational agency, which urged a global ban on smartphones in schools due to their disruptive impact on learning. Whether Italy’s stricter approach will successfully address these concerns remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: smartphones and tablets will no longer be part of the standard classroom experience in Italy.
