Catalonia to ban mobile phones in secondary schools next academic year

The Catalan government will prohibit the use of mobile phones in classrooms of compulsory secondary education (ESO) starting next school year. Additionally, the plan includes gradually phasing out tablets across all educational stages and digital whiteboards in early childhood education throughout the current legislative term. These key measures were announced by the Minister of Education, Esther Niubó, following recommendations from the Digitalization and Education Commission and Ivàlua reports, which analyzed the necessary guidelines for regulating digital devices in schools and their effects.

Niubó emphasized the need to take further action, explaining that the ban will also apply to smartwatches. During the presentation of the Responsible Digitalization Plan, she stated that while digital technology will not be removed from classrooms, its use must be rational, promoting a healthier and more ethical learning environment.

The government will continue to provide laptops to 6th-grade primary students to prepare them for secondary education, while 5th graders will also have laptops but must leave them at school.

Last January, the government had already banned mobile phones in infant and primary education and allowed schools to limit their use in secondary education. The ban covered use during classes and breaks, including playgrounds, cafeterias, and extracurricular activities.

Earlier this week, Catalonia's president, Salvador Illa, previewed the stricter rules on the radio station Rac 1, confirming the department's intention to implement these measures. Illa personally expressed a preference for traditional learning tools like books and paper over digital devices.

Teacher support for the ban is strong: Ivàlua reports reveal that 68% of teachers and school leaders back a full mobile ban in secondary education. Furthermore, 89% agree that existing restrictions have positively influenced school coexistence, attention, and academic performance. Between 63% and 66% of teachers reported never using mobile phones for classroom activities.