UNESCO calls countries to ban cell phone use in schools

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer 

July 31, 2023 – As technology advances and continues to become more integrated in our society now more than ever, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is taking action, calling Caribbean countries to support a global ban of the use of mobile phones.

Concerns were raised in a new UN report about the excessive use of smartphones at the negative effects they have on learning.

The UNESCO report refers to technology’s relationship to education and urges countries to meticulously analyze how it is used in schools.

The report emphasizes the need for a “human-centered vision” where digital tech is more a tool than taking precedence, exercising dominance over the main goal that is educating children. It is crucial that digital technology be used to facilitate education rather than be a distraction.

UNESCO’s call to action is that all countries establish their own unique standards for the way technology is designed and utilized in the education context so that is supports the shared goal of education and not replace physical, in-person teacher led institutions.