Switzerland: Smartphones Definitively Banned from Schools in Canton Vaud

Switzerland: Smartphones definitively banned from schools in canton Vaud
rts.ch/info, 26 June 2019 - translation

Mobile phones will be banned during classes, breaks, school outings and camps for Waldensian schoolchildren in canton Vaud until 11P [age 15]. The Training Department made this decision after a pilot experiment that was deemed successful.

Since the start of the 2018-2019 academic year, ten schools have been testing such a ban. In concrete terms, schoolchildren must turn off and store smartphones and connected personal devices during school hours, says the Department of Training, Youth and Culture (DFJC) on Thursday.

Described as beneficial by "almost all the actors concerned", the experience will be extended to all pupils in the compulsory cycle from the next school year onwards. Parents will benefit from advice on the use of the screens that will be added to the agenda as of the beginning of the August school year.



"Strengthen exchanges"

The objective of this measure is to promote concentration, learning ability and interaction. However, these tools can be used for educational purposes.

"The ban on mobile phones at recess will strengthen exchanges between students, which is essential for children's development," explained State Councillor Cesla Amarelle before the launch of the pilot project in August 2018.

ats/gma

Original article in French:
https://www.rts.ch/info/regions/vaud/10539636-les-smartphones-definitivement-bannis-des-ecoles-vaudoises.html