No mobile phones during classes: Moldovan education conducts study to analyze implementation of new rule in schools

Most schools of Moldova have approved internal regulations on the use of mobile phones, explicitly noting the prohibition of gadgets during classes. Also, their use is allowed only for educational purposes, in a controlled and planned way: for projects, interactive applications or research.

The figures were presented after the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) had conducted a survey, in which 1,146 primary schools, gymnasiums and lyceums  from all districts, municipalities and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of UTA Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia) participated.

The survey’s data also shows that 83 per cent of schools report full compliance with the ban by students. According to MEC, infringements are isolated and measures ranging from verbal warnings to dialogues with families have been preventive and educational in nature.

"For the first time in Moldova, MEC conducted a national study analyzing how educational institutions apply the regulation on mobile phone use during classes. The results are encouraging: 94 per cent of educational institutions already have their own regulations regarding phone use. In 83 per cent of schools, students fully adhere to these rules. Almost all schools use phones on educational purposes in projects, presentations, interactive applications under teachers’ supervision," said Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun.

In 99 per cent of schools, phones are also used on educational purposes, in a controlled and planned way: for projects, interactive applications, or research.

"These figures show a real transformation. It was not about a total ban on technology, but about restoring attention, calm and face-to-face interaction in the classroom. Teachers teach with more dedication, students are more engaged with their surroundings and the school climate becomes more conducive to learning. We know there are still steps to be taken; some institutions still need support to set up storage spaces for phones or to ensure uniform enforcement of the rules. We will support these efforts through trainings for teachers, investments in infrastructure, and information campaigns for parents," added Dan Perciun.

A challenge reported by more institutions is the lack of storage spaces. About 20 per cent of schools have not yet identified suitable solutions for safely collecting and storing phones during classes.

"The general perception of schools is positive: almost 90 per cent consider that the regulation has led to a more orderly and less tense climate in classrooms. Students are more attentive, teachers can teach without interruptions and the relationship with parents has been clarified due to a common set of rules," State Secretary at MEC Valentina Olaru said.

In mid-December 2024, lawmakers approved a string of amendments to the Education Code, which provide for the prohibition of mobile phones’ use during classes. Exceptions are cases when students need phones on educational purposes, in emergencies, such as health problems and for monitoring the health of students with disabilities.