New Zealand bans cell phones in schools
The new conservative government in New Zealand wants to ban cell phones in all schools in future. The plan announced during the election campaign will be implemented in the first 100 days of his term of office, said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was sworn in at the beginning of the week, during a visit to a school in Auckland.
"I will not stand idly by and watch educational successes decline, as has been the case in recent years," the head of government wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter).
Manurewa Intermediate is one of the most inspiring places to visit in the country. This school makes learning fun, it has high attendance, and it achieves fantastic results. The kids here are very special and are being set up for success with high quality education from amazing… pic.twitter.com/2i6SkkmCUj
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 1, 2023
According to his National Party, the aim is to improve pupils' concentration and performance, as the party writes on its website. Many schools have already achieved positive results following a cell phone ban - even abroad.
France had already banned cell phones in schools in 2018, while the Netherlands and the UK want to follow suit. The issue is also being discussed in Germany, but the German Teachers' Association only recently spoke out against an absolute ban.
Ministers should also hand in cell phones
"To reverse the decline in performance, pupils need to focus on their work during their precious lesson time," writes the National Party. The decline in performance over the past 30 years not only endangers the future livelihood of children, but also New Zealand's prosperity. Ministers and MPs should also hand in their smartphones during cabinet and parliamentary group meetings in order to be able to work in a more focused manner.
Luxon had already caused an outcry this week when he announced his intention to overturn some of the drastic anti-tobacco laws of the previous left-wing government. The coalition, which also includes the populist NZ First party, wants to use the move to finance tax cuts.
The new Government in New Zealand believes that banning cell phones in schools will help improve pupils' concentration and academic performance, as highlighted on their party's website. In line with this, Ministers and MPs should consider handing in their smartphones during cabinet and parliamentary group meetings to foster a more focused working environment.
Source: www.dpa.com
