The ban on the transfer and use of mobile phones in schools – depending on the educational level – as is well known, has recently concerned educational institutions, in the wake of the relevant policy of the Ministry of Education.
However, this issue is not limited to mobile phones, but also has implications for other smart devices that children use today (e.g. tablets, etc.) as well as digital watches that are becoming increasingly popular. This is because they are used both as computers with specific functions and as mobile phones.
Their choice does not only concern older students but also younger ones. Characteristic is the point in a circular of the Directorate of Primary Education, where it is stated that "it has been observed that students wear digital watches (smartwatches), which can also be used as mobile phones".
But what about these watches and their transportation to schools? As stated, due to the fact that it is not possible for teachers to check on a daily basis whether or not they carry a phone card or whether they can be connected via a Bluetooth wireless network to a mobile device, the transfer and use of these watches is prohibited.
It is also emphasized that this ban also aims to protect students from connecting their own clocks to other unknown devices and users via a Bluetooth wireless network.
Therefore, through this circular, schools are invited to inform parents and guardians about it and to explain to them that this prohibition concerns the safety of their children and their proper education.
However, the chapter "digital clocks" also includes those that are intended for exercise, with the Ministry of Education differentiating on this point. In particular, it is pointed out that digital exercise watches that cannot be used as mobile phones nor the ability to exchange data via Bluetooth protocol, but only record the child's daily physical activity, are allowed to be used by students.
"However, because it is impossible for teachers to monitor and/or clarify this time each time, parents/guardians should inform the school management of their intention to use such clocks by their children."
Mobile phones in Primary and Secondary Education
Regarding mobile phones, it is reminded that their transfer and use in Primary Education schools by students is prohibited, as well as their use by teachers, while working, with their students. It is also forbidden for teachers to use a mobile phone and access social networking pages while working with students, unless required by the nature of the lesson or the implementation of school policies or an emergency/emergency situation.
In addition, it is not allowed to carry and use mobile phones, electronic games, computers, computers or other touchscreen devices during educational trips or visits, with the ultimate goal of socializing students and maximizing the benefit from their realization, unless they are part of the purpose for which the educational trip or visit is carried out.
However, it is noted: "It is understood that, as far as children with special needs are concerned, the transport of electronic devices is allowed, if and when it is deemed necessary for their functionality."
In cases where a visit or excursion takes place or even during the supervision of students, teachers carry a mobile phone with the sole purpose, in case of a dangerous incident or accident, to be able to immediately contact First Aid, the Ministry of Education, and the parents/guardians of students.
"It is understood, in addition, that the transfer of the phone by the teachers is for exclusive use in case of emergency and not for any other purpose," it is characteristically stated.
In the case of Secondary Education Schools (Gymnasiums, Lyceums and Technical Schools), it is pointed out that according to the current regulations, "the use by a student of a mobile phone and/or other electronic smart device that has connectivity capability and/or a system for receiving, storing and processing image and/or sound throughout the operation of Gymnasiums, Lyceums and Technical Schools is restricted".
It is noted that this regulation also concerns the hours of breaks and the hours when students may have a vacant period.
Their choice does not only concern older students but also younger ones. Characteristic is the point in a circular of the Directorate of Primary Education, where it is stated that "it has been observed that students wear digital watches (smartwatches), which can also be used as mobile phones".
But what about these watches and their transportation to schools? As stated, due to the fact that it is not possible for teachers to check on a daily basis whether or not they carry a phone card or whether they can be connected via a Bluetooth wireless network to a mobile device, the transfer and use of these watches is prohibited.
It is also emphasized that this ban also aims to protect students from connecting their own clocks to other unknown devices and users via a Bluetooth wireless network.
Therefore, through this circular, schools are invited to inform parents and guardians about it and to explain to them that this prohibition concerns the safety of their children and their proper education.
However, the chapter "digital clocks" also includes those that are intended for exercise, with the Ministry of Education differentiating on this point. In particular, it is pointed out that digital exercise watches that cannot be used as mobile phones nor the ability to exchange data via Bluetooth protocol, but only record the child's daily physical activity, are allowed to be used by students.
"However, because it is impossible for teachers to monitor and/or clarify this time each time, parents/guardians should inform the school management of their intention to use such clocks by their children."
Mobile phones in Primary and Secondary Education
Regarding mobile phones, it is reminded that their transfer and use in Primary Education schools by students is prohibited, as well as their use by teachers, while working, with their students. It is also forbidden for teachers to use a mobile phone and access social networking pages while working with students, unless required by the nature of the lesson or the implementation of school policies or an emergency/emergency situation.
In addition, it is not allowed to carry and use mobile phones, electronic games, computers, computers or other touchscreen devices during educational trips or visits, with the ultimate goal of socializing students and maximizing the benefit from their realization, unless they are part of the purpose for which the educational trip or visit is carried out.
However, it is noted: "It is understood that, as far as children with special needs are concerned, the transport of electronic devices is allowed, if and when it is deemed necessary for their functionality."
In cases where a visit or excursion takes place or even during the supervision of students, teachers carry a mobile phone with the sole purpose, in case of a dangerous incident or accident, to be able to immediately contact First Aid, the Ministry of Education, and the parents/guardians of students.
"It is understood, in addition, that the transfer of the phone by the teachers is for exclusive use in case of emergency and not for any other purpose," it is characteristically stated.
In the case of Secondary Education Schools (Gymnasiums, Lyceums and Technical Schools), it is pointed out that according to the current regulations, "the use by a student of a mobile phone and/or other electronic smart device that has connectivity capability and/or a system for receiving, storing and processing image and/or sound throughout the operation of Gymnasiums, Lyceums and Technical Schools is restricted".
It is noted that this regulation also concerns the hours of breaks and the hours when students may have a vacant period.
