Confederation — 1 of the most expressive political forces in Poland, says concrete actions against the excessive usage of social media by children and adolescents. Group leaders say it's time for regulations limiting the usage of smartphones and applications specified as TikTok, Instagram or Facebook in schools.
The thought came right after First circular of presidential electionsin which the candidate of the Confederation, Sławomir Mentzen, earned 14.81% of votes. This is simply a consequence that has importantly increased the political certainty of the group in pushing the demands in line with their programming line.
Draft law: no smartphones in schools
On behalf of the Confederate Krzysztof Bosak, Deputy Marshal of the Sejm and 1 of the organization leaders. The politician announced the preparation of a bill that will ban the usage of smartphones in schools. This task would cover both the usage of phones during classes and in school space during breaks.
— The aim is to improve the concentration, intellectual wellness and social improvement of children “ Bosak explains. The politician notes that dependence on smartphones and social media becomes 1 of the main educational problems in Polish schools.
No TikTok, Instagram, Facebook?
Going 1 step further, the Confederate also recommends limiting access to social media for the youngest users. It's about applications like TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, whose impact on the psyche of children and young people is increasingly the subject of public investigation and debate.
Although the task does not impose a complete ban on all users, the mark group for the regulation is to be minors — especially primary and secondary school students. Bosak stated that the current legal state is not following the scale of digital threats, and the state should respond before the problem gets out of control.
Poles divided, but most support ban
The thought of the Confederate finds based on the results of public opinion surveys. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by Pollster investigation Institute for ‘Super Express’:
- 67% of Poles supports the introduction of a ban on smartphones in schools.
- 24 percent opposed solutions.
- 9 percent have no opinion about that.
The survey shows that the social request for regulation of this area is crucial and The Confederacy's decision to undertake legislative work may find a broad response.
Ministry of Education does not say yes
Despite force from any public opinion and politicians, Ministry of Education does not support top-down ban. The Ministry remains of the opinion that decisions on this substance should belong to individual schoolswhich may regulate the usage of mobile phones under their own statutes and regulations.
An example of this is Primary School No 113 in Wrocławwhich has already been implemented its own limitations utilizing smartphones in the facility. The hotel considers this model to be the most flexible and consistent with the rule of school autonomy.
International context: Europe besides responds
It is worth noting that akin discussions are besides taking place in another European countries. In 2018, France banned the usage of smartphones in schools primary and secondary education. W United Kingdom The subject returns to public debate and any schools have introduced interior restrictions. In Germany It is the Lands that decide on school policy, but the number of facilities prohibiting the usage of mobile devices is increasing.
The Confederate proposal so fits in A broader European reflection trend on the function of digital technologies in education and raising.
Does the bill have a chance to enter into force?
At this stage, the task is in the conceptual phase and has not yet been directed to the Sejm. Political support from another groups and the consequence of civilian society, educational organisations and parents will be crucial.
It's worth reminding you The Confederation does not have an independent majority in parliament, which means that implementation of the law will require a coalition or compromise with another political forces. Nevertheless, Mentzen's advanced consequence in the presidential election may give the organization an impetus to further legislative action.
Perspectives and possible impacts
If the bill comes into force, it could lead to fundamental change in the functioning of Polish schools. Reducing the function of smartphones and social applications can positively influence the concentration, social interactions and intellectual wellness of pupilsI'm certain he'll call numerous controversy and questions about state interference limits in the sphere of privacy and education.
Experts are already calling for regulations to be well thought out, proportionate and based on technological dataNot just on political emotions.
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The Confederacy wants to ban TikTok and Instagram for students. A controversial bill arises
