Do you think the smartphone ban is a good idea?
A ban on smartphones in Irish schools is set to be approved by Cabinet today.
The ban will see mobiles removed from classrooms after teachers called for action earlier this year.
Teaching staff noticed an increase in students using their phones in class and believed it was having a negative effect on their education.
Minister for Education Norma Foley is set to get the Cabinet's full approval today.
She wants the “whole of Government backing" the move.
According to The Irish Mirror, the move will be rolled out in primary schools first.
Minister Foley said children are not able to live in the moment because they're spending so much time on their phones.
Speaking at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis last weekend, Foley said:
"Principals tell me and school leaders tell me that online bullying using smartphones happens outside school hours, they can’t control it, it happens outside of school.
“Children can be exposed to violent and sexual content that no parent would want them to see via their smartphone."
She also said an increase in smartphone usage is having an impact on their physical health. She expressed concerns about young children who are not getting enough sleep because they're online "long, long into the night".
"They are missing out on real-life experiences with their family and with their friends," she added.
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