In the latest analysis of Republikon, we reviewed the regulation of the use and presence of smart devices, especially smartphones, in schools in some European countries and Hungary in light of the new, strictly restrictive government decree in force in Hungary since September this year.
Main findings of the analysis:
- Although there seems to be a consensus on the need for some form of regulation of the presence of smart devices in schools in order to mitigate the negative effects of excessive device use on young people, regulatory practices (also) vary widely across EU Member States.
- Some countries (e.g. the Czech Republic) leave it up to educational institutions to tackle the problem and do not introduce state-level regulation; others (e.g. the Netherlands) opt for an almost total ban on smart devices; and others (e.g. France) actively experiment with restrictive regulation.
- In general, the tightening of regulations is a European trend, especially since 2023, when a major UNESCO study highlighted the dangers of smartphones for young people to great acclaim. The Hungarian government decree issued in August this year, which severely restricts the presence of smart devices in schools, fits in with this European trend.
- The success or failure of a policy measure depends not only on whether the text of the law or decision on which it is based is in line with the intentions of the rule-maker, but also on the acceptability and feasibility of the measure for those who are ultimately affected. The Hungarian government did not sufficiently involve the stakeholders (teachers, parents, students) in the preparation of the relevant government decree, thereby creating a climate of opposition, protest and evasion.
- To compound the problem at home, the much-publicised suspension of the headmaster of the Madách Imre High School seems unjustified and pointless under the government decree, and can only reinforce the feeling that those concerned should have no say in the regulation of education.
The full analysis can be read via this link.