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Poland’s education minister rules out total smartphone ban, urges ‘analogue’ learning for youngsters

22.12.2024 11:30
Poland has no plans to impose a blanket ban on mobile devices in schools, Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said, stressing the need to examine how younger children use smartphones and to focus on prevention of digital addiction.
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.Shutterstock.com

“Personally, I’m in favor of ‘analogue’ education in preschools and for grades 1–3,” Nowacka told reporters, adding that while no total ban is on the horizon, teachers and parents should pay close attention to the impact of mobile phones on the youngest students.

Push for digital awareness

According to Nowacka, a key piece of this policy involves addressing “digital hygiene” as part of a new health education course set to launch in September 2025. “We want to make young people aware of how important it is not to fall prey to addictions,” she said. “In the same way we learn to avoid addiction to alcohol or cigarettes.”
Under current regulations, each school has the discretion to set its own policies on mobile phone use in its statutes. Nowacka’s comments suggest that while no national ban is in the works, Polish schools are expected to develop their own rules to ensure smartphones do not interfere with classroom learning.

(jh)

Source: IAR, Polskie Radio 24