NO PHONES IN SCHOOL! Manastirliu warns students and teachers ahead of the new school year

The Minister of Education and Sports has warned of strict enforcement of the mobile phone ban in schools, calling for cooperation among teachers, parents, and students.

Through a special directive, the Ministry of Education and Sports has outlined rules and measures prohibiting the use of mobile phones and related devices in pre-university institutions.

In her message to students, teachers, parents, and the wider community, Minister Ogerta Manastirliu emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces focused on learning.

“School is the place where we build the future of our children, a space where care, focus, and respect for one another and for learning in the classroom must prevail. For several years, we have had a rule that mobile phones are not allowed during lessons. But this school year, based on the experience of other countries and recent studies, we are strengthening the enforcement of this rule to make it truly effective. We are not alone in tightening measures against phone use in schools; European countries have applied and reinforced such rules this year as well. We are moving in the same direction because the results are clear: less distraction, greater academic success, and better well-being for students,” said Manastirliu.

The Minister clarified that the decision does not aim to exclude technology but to guide its proper use.

“This decision is not at all against technology. On the contrary, it is about learning how to use it in the right way and at the right time. Lesson time is for learning, for discussion, and for cooperation with one another. OECD and WHO studies show that frequent use of phones among children reduces concentration, lowers student engagement in class, and in some cases may even increase the risk of bullying,” said Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu.

She emphasized that the new rule is clear, applicable to everyone, and defines the responsibilities of both teachers and parents.

“This school year the rule is simple for everyone: Phones must not be brought to school. In cases where a parent provides a justified reason for their child to have a phone, it must be switched off and handed in according to the school’s rules, kept in the designated drawer or box in the classroom from the beginning until the end of lessons. The homeroom teacher and the school administration are responsible for enforcing this rule. For urgent cases, communication with parents will only be allowed with permission, or through the teacher or school director. The role of the teacher is to set the example in implementing this rule,” Manastirliu stated.

The Minister highlighted that parents have an important role in cooperating with schools by reinforcing the rule at home so that children understand it is for their own benefit.

“If this rule is repeatedly violated even after advisory and corrective measures, the school administration will decide on further actions according to the school regulations, sending a clear signal that respecting rules is an essential part of personal educational development,” she said.

In closing, Minister Manastirliu called for full cooperation among teachers, parents, and students.

“Implementing this rule is a shared commitment and responsibility of teachers, parents, and students, so that lesson time truly remains learning time. For this, we need books, we need to use technology responsibly according to school protocols, serving the education and upbringing of students. Above all, we need care, respect, and cooperation with one another. I wish all students and parents a successful start to the school year!”

“KORÇA BOOM”