This is one of the conclusions of the national survey carried out in the last week of September, to which 128 school boards responded on issues related to the start of the school year and the measures announced by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI).

When asked about the adoption of measures for the current school year in relation to the use of mobile phones, 35 participating schools (27% of the total) stated that they had adopted procedures that limit or ban their use, according to the study, which explains that the options vary according to the school cycles, “being more common between the 1st and 2nd cycles” of education.

With these responses, the researchers conclude that the principals are following the recommendations made by the authorities at the beginning of the current school year.

The week that classes began, the Government approved a recommendation in the Council of Ministers urging schools to opt for banning the use and entry of mobile phones in 1st and 2nd cycle schools. At the time, only 2% of schools had banned the use of smartphones.

At the end of the month, the National Education Federation (FNE) and the Association for Training and Research in Education and Work (AFIET) carried out a national survey, to which 128 school principals responded, with “the frequent statement that the issue (of mobile phones) is undergoing an internal process of analysis, consultation and planning”.

“In 24 of the schools, the information is that procedures have not yet been adopted, but in some cases, the issue is under consideration”, adds the study. In another 35 schools, the use of these devices was limited or prohibited.