Valais also bans cell phones in schools "Too many children spend too much time on their smartphones at an early age"
Cell phone bans in schools are catching on in Switzerland: after Aargau and Nidwalden, Valais is now also banning smartphones in class and during breaks.
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- The canton of Valais will ban cell phones in all schools in future.
- The reason: "More and more children are showing learning and reading difficulties," says Christophe Darbellay, President of the Cantonal Directors of Education.
- The ability to concentrate is declining.
- The cantons of Aargau and Nidwalden have already banned cell phones from schools.
According to the Tamedia newspapers, the canton of Valais will ban cell phones in all schools in future. "More and more children are experiencing learning and reading difficulties. Their ability to concentrate is declining", said Christophe Darbellay, president of the cantonal education directors, to the newspapers.
The ban on cell phones applies while children are on school grounds - even during the break and at lunchtime. The journey to school is the responsibility of the parents. However, there are no efforts to regulate the issue throughout Switzerland. The cantons are responsible for school organization.
It is alarming how many children already have learning and reading difficulties at a young age. A doctor friend of his told him that many children find it difficult to follow conversations. Scientific studies had also prompted him to take action. "The ability to concentrate is declining," says Darbellay.
Brain scans, for example, show that the "brain is much less active while a child is staring at their cell phone than when they are playing outside," said Darbellay in an interview with the Tamedia newspapers. "Of course, children have to learn how to use digital devices at some point - they are part of modern society. But too many children spend too much time on their smartphones at an early age," explained the Valais Director of Education.
School is a central living space "in which we must create conditions that promote learning, concentration and personal development".
The ban on cell phones should apply at all times on school grounds, including breaks and lunchtime. "The way to school is the responsibility of the parents," said Darbellay. However, he advises agreeing clear rules with the children regarding use.
When asked about a nationwide regulation, Darbellay referred to the cantonal responsibility for school organization: "I am speaking as a member of the Valais State Council on this issue." Uniform rules in the canton would ease the burden on teachers and parents. "Peer pressure is high among children and young people," he emphasized. The cantons of Aargau and Nidwalden have also already decided to ban cell phones in their schools.
