European schools restrict mobile phone use amid health concerns

As concerns about the impact of mobile phones on young people's mental health grow, several European countries are implementing restrictions on their use in schools. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recommended limited use of mobile phones in educational settings. In July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to address issues like social media addiction and cyberbullying, highlighting the need for a European-wide inquiry into the effects of social media on youth well-being. Countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Greece are either considering or have already enacted bans on mobile phone usage in schools. In France, a trial scheme is underway to prohibit mobile phone use throughout the school day in middle schools. Meanwhile, in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, some schools have independently decided to restrict phone use, although there is no general ban. Sweden's Public Health Agency has issued recommendations regarding screen time for children, advising that those under two should avoid digital media entirely. While some schools in Sweden have not banned mobile devices, there is a growing awareness of online violence among youth, with significant percentages of primary school students reporting experiences of online harassment. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a UNICEF study revealed that many children under eleven have social media profiles, raising further concerns about digital exposure. As various European nations grapple with these issues, the trend towards restricting mobile phone use in schools reflects a broader effort to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young people.