The United Nations organization on education, science, and culture, UNESCO, has recommended a global ban on smartphones in schools, according to a report by The Guardian.[1] The move is aimed at tackling disciplinary issues, improving academic performance, and safeguarding children against cyberbullying.
According to UNESCO’s report, the excessive use of smartphones negatively affects students’ emotional well-being and educational outcomes. The organization also highlights the significant role of personal communication between students and teachers, stating that digital technologies should never replace this aspect of learning.
UNESCO warns policymakers about the hasty implementation of digital technologies in education and stresses that not all innovations lead to progress. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining the social aspects of learning, where students benefit from full-time classroom education.
Speaking about the digital revolution, CEO of UNESCO ODRE Azule stated, “The use of technology should aim to enhance the educational experience and benefit both students and teachers, rather than detract from their well-being.”[1]
UNESCO calls on countries to establish clear goals and principles to ensure that the use of digital technologies in education is beneficial and not detrimental to students’ health, democracy, and human rights.[1]
The United Nations believes that the excessive or inappropriate use of technology in schools, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, can disrupt and hinder education.
In its Global Education Monitor, UNESCO revealed that by 2023, very few studies had been conducted to confirm the additional benefits of digital technologies in education. It also found that most of the studies supporting these benefits were financed by private educational companies aiming to promote their products.[1]
According to UNESCO, a quarter of countries worldwide have already implemented a ban on smartphones in schools. Notable examples include France (since 2018) and the Netherlands (since 2024). In the United Kingdom, former Education Minister Gavin Williamson proposed a ban on mobile phones in schools in 2021, but the idea did not receive support.[2]