Mobile Phone Must Be Banned In Schools; Says UN

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has suggested a complete ban on smart phone inside schools and classes, citing studies showing that excessive use of smartphones was lowering student performance.

UK-based media outlet Guardian, quoting the UNESCO report said,  heightened screen exposure has also impacted the children’s emotional stability.

The report comes even as a section of schools across India are encouraging children to take the help of mobile phones not only for meeting educational requirements but also to stay in touch with their parents back home.

The Unesco report, the Guardian said, highlighted that digital technology, including smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI), should be subservient to the "human-centred vision" of education and should never replace face-to-face interaction with teachers. "Not all change constitutes progress. Just because something can be done does not mean it should be done," the report stated.

The report has appealed to lawmakers  not to prioritise digital technology in the classroom and take into consideration the social dimension of education.

"Its use must be for enhanced learning experiences and the wellbeing of students and teachers, not to their detriment. Keep the needs of the learner first and support teachers. Online connections are no substitute for human interaction," Unesco's director general, Audrey Azoulay was quoted by the outlet as saying.