Catalonia Completely Bans Mobile Phones in Schools up to 4th Year of ESO

The Catalan government has announced changes for the upcoming school year. Mobile phones and smartwatches will be completely banned starting in September, with the commencement of the new academic year. They will be prohibited not only in classrooms but throughout the entire school premises, both in primary education and ESO. In secondary education, mobile phones will not even be allowed for certain educational uses, as was previously the case in some schools and institutes.

According to a survey conducted by the Catalan Government's Department of Education, 68% of teachers agree with the total ban on mobile phones in secondary education. The previous government had already banned mobile phones in primary education centres, but in secondary schools, an exception was made for specific educational activities. From the next school year, the ban will be absolute in early childhood, primary, and ESO.

The Department of Education also plans to progressively restrict the use of digital boards and tablets in early childhood education. Their goal is to "eliminate" the use of these devices in early childhood education.