Significant changes have been observed in the global education system in recent years, as policies restricting the use of mobile phones in schools continue to expand. By 2026, the number of countries implementing such measures has reportedly nearly doubled.
According to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report, 58 percent of the world's education systems have now restricted or completely banned the use of smartphones in schools. For comparison, this figure stood at only 24 percent in 2023, highlighting a sharp shift within a short period.
Experts attribute this trend to several key factors. Primarily, the decline in student concentration and increased instances of distraction during lessons are cited as the main reasons. Additionally, the issue of cyberbullying, the negative impact of social media on children's mental health, and excessive screen time are causing serious concern. It is noted that these factors can diminish educational effectiveness.
Recently, countries such as Bolivia, Croatia, Malta, and the Maldives have introduced these restrictions at a national level. In some nations, the issue has been elevated to the legislative level, with even stricter regulations being developed.
According to experts, limiting smartphone use serves to increase student engagement in class, enhance face-to-face communication, and improve the overall learning environment. However, not all specialists share the same view. Some emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture of proper and effective technology use rather than implementing complete bans.
In short, the introduction of smartphone restrictions in schools is becoming one of the most pressing and rapidly developing trends in global education policy today. This trend is likely to expand further in the future.
