In the educational institutions of Latvia, the usage of mobile phones will be prohibited.
In Latvia, it's about to be verboten for young scholars to carry mobile phones outside of class hours. The parliament in Riga approved revisions to the education law last Thursday, prohibiting the utilization of mobile phones up to grade 6, unless essential for learning. This prohibition is scheduled to begin on May 31, 2025. Until then, schools are expected to modify their internal regulations for mobile phone usage according to the guidelines set by the Baltic EU nation's parliament. The academic year in Latvia stretches from September 1 to around early June.
As per Agita Zarina-Sture, chair of the parliament's education, culture, and science committee, "This move is crucial to deliver a potent message to educational institutions to curb the mindless usage of mobile phones." Studies reveal that the simple presence of personal mobile phones, even when turned off, impacts human cognitive capabilities adversely and heightens the chance of digital emotional abuse.
Initially, there was confusion regarding whether mobile phones could be carried to school at all. According to a radio broadcast, they are likely to remain permissible, but will need to be switched off. The new regulations also grant schools the authority to search students' belongings if there's a risk to the wellbeing, health, or life of individuals.
After the parliament's decision, the head teacher might say to the students, "Remember, we'll see you again in class, but mobile phones must be kept off during school hours." When collecting student belongings at the end of the day, the teacher might assure them, "I'll see you tomorrow, have a good break, and please ensure your mobile phones are switched off during school hours."
