UNESCO urges global ban on smartphones in schools to promote human-centred education approach

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) released its 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report, titled “Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms,” which supports for a global ban on smartphones in schools where technology integration does not improve learning outcomes.

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An Overview of the News

UNESCO promotes a more “human-centered approach” to education and emphasises the importance of reducing dependency on digital technology. Excessive use of smartphones has negative effects on children’s academic performance and emotional competence.

UNESCO’s Manos Antoninis raised concerns about data leaks in educational technology, revealing that only 16 percent of countries have laws guaranteeing data privacy in the classroom.

The shift to online-only learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the loss of approximately 500 million students worldwide. According to the report, the right to an education is becoming increasingly tied to meaningful connectivity. Because one in every four primary schools lacks access to electricity, it is critical to establish guidelines for connecting schools to the Internet.

The survey conducted by UNESCO reveals that only 11 out of 51 governments have implemented a curriculum for artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a United Nations (UN) specialised organisation. It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UN SDG), a coalition of United Nations agencies and organisations that aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Headquarters:- Paris, France.

Director General: -Audrey Azoulay.

Founded:- 16 November 1945 in London, United Kingdom.

The organisation has -193 members and 11 associate members.