The Greek government is getting serious about banning chat messages and cell phone photos in everyday school life: with the start of the new school year in early September, a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones during lessons in schools will come into force. Greek Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis said very clearly on the Sky news channel: “The motto is: the cell phone stays in the school bag.” Anyone who does not comply with this rule should be expelled from school for one day. In the event of a repeat offense, there is a risk of being excluded from lessons for several days. The prohibited use of smartphones has even more serious consequences if personal rights are violated: anyone who videotapes classmates or teachers without their permission also risks being permanently expelled from school. Then the offender will have no choice but to change school.
Advertisement
Mac with M4: sales will apparently start in November
There was already a general ban on its use in Greek schools. However, it was relaxed after it became clear that teachers could not enforce it. The government’s new initiative now for the first time introduces harsh penalties for mobile phone use during classes. Teachers have mixed feelings about the introduction of the harsh new rules. A spokesman for the high school teachers’ union OLME said on Greek radio that it is important to actually convince students to turn off their cell phones, not just threaten them with punishment.
In the middle of last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced stricter treatment of students using mobile devices in class during a Council of Ministers meeting broadcast on radio. “We do not necessarily aspire to ensure 100 percent compliance from the first moment,” he said, “but we want to explain to children, parents and teachers why it is important that the student is fully committed to a school committed to the educational process.”
(PSZ)
iPhones replaced by Apple may be on the “blacklist”.
