Overview

• Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has formally proposed banning smartphones in EU schools for students under 14, citing psycho-emotional and educational concerns.
• Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden have signed the initiative, while Lithuania, Cyprus, Greece, and Belgium have expressed support.
• The proposal will be submitted to the European Commission for recommendation, followed by debate among member states and approval by EU education ministers.
• Valditara highlighted OECD data showing smartphones negatively impact learning outcomes, including in subjects like mathematics, and hinder concentration and creativity.
• Concerns over online safety, including risks of exposure to harmful content and dangerous challenges, were underscored by warnings from the Italian postal police.