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Mobile devices prohibited in schools across Greece starting in September

Melnyk, a former combatant, departed the battlefield a decade prior to the Paralympics' commencement. His comrades, still stationed in Chasiv Yar, have been persistently battling Russian forces who've sought to seize the city for months.

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Mobile devices prohibited in schools across Greece starting in September

** Ban on Mobile Phones in Greek Schools Heats Up **

Get ready for a change, students! As the new academic year approaches on September 11, no more sneaky phone use during classes in Greece. That's right, the authorities have introduced a new rule that requires students to keep their mobiles stashed away in their bags at all times during lessons. This decision comes following a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

Mitsotakis announced this new rule during a press conference in Athens, dubbing it the 'Cellphone in the School Bag' campaign. The prime minister emphasized that the scientific data linking mobile phone usage to learning disruptions is significant. Distractions and other issues make it crystal clear that mobile phones have no place in school during class hours.

Student misconduct will attract consequences. Those who refuse to comply with the new rule will be excluded from school for a day. Repeat offenders may face even harsher penalties, with teachers authorized to remove non-compliant students from classes for several days. Moreover, anybody caught filming classmates or teachers without permission could potentially face expulsion.

Although full compliance isn't expected from day one, the authorities aim to make students, parents, and educators aware of the importance of complete focus during the educational process at school. Previously, a general ban on mobile phones dating back to 2002 was in place, but teachers found it difficult to enforce.

The teachers' union OLME, however, predicts that persuasion should be a priority, rather than just imposing penalties on non-compliant students. A spokesperson from the union commented on Greek radio that convincing pupils to switch off their phones is essential for the smooth functioning of the educational environment.

Last week, mobile phones were banned in 373 schools in the primarily French-speaking Belgian region of Wallonia, further emphasizing the global trend towards stricter mobile phone regulations in educational settings.

Greece's mobile phone regulations are part of a broader effort to address the impact phones have on school performance, cyberbullying, and overall student well-being. Currently, students are prohibited from using devices during school hours, with penalties ranging from confiscation to extended confiscation or parental involvement.

schoolMobile phonesKyriakos MitsotakisGreeceeducationcyberbullyingdigital safety

Enrichment Data:- Enforcement Challenges: Despite the ban on mobile phones, phone use remains widespread, especially during breaks.- Recent Measures: Two schools in Greece are testing weapons and cellphone detection systems as part of their efforts to enforce the mobile phone regulations.- Impact on Cyberbullying and Distracted Learning: By limiting phone use, schools aim to minimize cyberbullying opportunities and improve focus. 79 countries worldwide, including Greece, have implemented similar smartphone bans to curb distractions and protect student mental health. However, the law does not yet integrate specific digital safety education alongside the ban, and enforcement remains inconsistent.

  1. Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, in agreement with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has agreed on new regulations that prohibit students from using their mobile phones during classes in Greece.
  2. The 'Cellphone in the School Bag' campaign, announced by Mitsotakis, signifies a stricter move towards technology regulations in education-and-self-development, particularly aimed at general news topics such as education, cyberbullying, and digital safety.
  3. WhatsApp messages and calls may soon become absent from student chats during school hours, as students are required to keep their mobile phones stored in their bags during lessons.
  4. Furthermore, Pierrakakis' regulations aim to tackle the enforcement challenges that have persisted since the 2002 mobile phone ban, by authorizing teachers to remove non-compliant students from classes for several days and by implementing measures like weapons and cellphone detection systems in a few schools.
Dmytro Melnyk departed from the combat zone 10 days prior to the Paralympic Games' kickoff. His comrades in arms continue to hold their ground in the war-torn city of Chasiv Yar, bravely withstanding Russian offensives aimed at seizing the area for several months.
Melnyk, previously on the battlefront, departed a decade prior to the Paralympic Games' commencement. His military unit continues to safeguard Chasiv Yar, a city Ukrainian forces have been trying to hold against repeated Russian assaults for several months.
Melnyk, a former comrade, vacated the combat zone a decade ago before the onset of the Paralympics. His unit continues to fortify their position in Chasiv Yar, a city that has endured months of relentless Ukrainian resistance against repeated Russian attempts to seize control.

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