KS Government Adopts Information and Expert Recommendations on Mobile Phone Use in Schools

(Patria) - The use of mobile phones in schools has become one of the most important issues in educational systems across Europe in recent years, between models of complete bans and controlled, pedagogically oriented use of technology in teaching.

The Government of Sarajevo Canton (KS) at today's session adopted the Information with an expert opinion on the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools, a document prepared based on the analysis and recommendations of the Public Institution Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of KS.

This opens the process of systematic and pedagogically based regulation of this area in schools.

The Ministry of Education and Upbringing of KS requested the preparation of an expert opinion in order to consider the issue of mobile phone use through its impact on student concentration, digital environment safety, mental health, and the educational potential of modern technologies.

The Institute's analysis covered 84 primary and secondary schools in KS, as well as a comparative review of practices in countries of the region and Europe.

The results show that this area is already regulated in a large number of schools: more than 87 percent of schools have rules on the use of mobile phones in their internal regulations or school rules.

The data indicate different implementation models. In 44 percent of schools, mobile phones are allowed exclusively for teaching purposes, while in 39.3 percent of schools their use is permitted during breaks or before and after classes. Approximately 13 percent of schools apply a complete ban.

At the same time, almost half of the schools report an improvement in the general climate and learning conditions (48.8%), increased student attention and concentration (46.3%), and greater social interaction among students (31.3%).

Simultaneously, most schools maintain flexibility regarding exceptions, especially for teaching purposes (66.3%), emergencies (61.3%), and health reasons (73.8%), confirming a human-centered and inclusive approach.

Comparative analysis shows that there is no single model for regulating this area in Europe.

While some countries are introducing legal bans, others rely on recommendations and school autonomy, with an approach where educational authorities set the framework, and schools, through their own acts, regulate specific rules in cooperation with parents and students.

The relevant minister, Naida Hota-Muminović, emphasizes that the goal is to find a balance between student protection and modern educational needs.

- School must remain a space for growth, learning, and communication among students. At the same time, we live in a digital age, and we cannot view technology solely as a problem, but also as an educational tool.

We also understand parents when they say it is increasingly difficult for them to set boundaries in parenting, because peer pressure is extremely high. That is why our approach is to give schools a clear framework and expert support, but also to leave them enough room to, together with parents and students, establish rules that suit their environment, both within and outside of school - said Hota-Muminović.

Based on the Institute's recommendations, a six-month action plan has also been prepared, which envisages a phased approach to this issue. The process includes presenting findings to schools, working with principals and teachers, involving parent councils and student councils, and continuous evaluation and recommendations for improving educational policies.

In this way, the issue of mobile phone use in schools is treated as a pedagogical and developmental issue, with the aim of strengthening digital culture, responsible technology use, and a quality school environment.