The issue of mobile phone regulations in schools and how students spend their breaks has become unavoidable in Hungary.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the new mobile phone regulations introduced in Hungarian schools, aimed at keeping students focused and reducing distractions. Hungarian politicians introduced these regulations without consulting parents, teachers, and, most importantly, the students themselves. As a result, in September 2023, a law was implemented that allows schools to confiscate students’ mobile phones during school hours.

Why Is This Regulation Problematic?

One argument is that mobile phones often distract students during class, making it harder for them to learn and disrupting the flow of the lessons. In theory, the new law aims to address this issue by ensuring that students can concentrate better during lessons. A more disciplined and focused learning environment would benefit everyone, as teachers could more effectively pass on knowledge, and students would absorb it more easily.

However, it’s worth considering a more flexible approach to the regulation. The appropriate use of mobile phones can actually be beneficial in education, as many educational apps and resources are accessible through them. Instead of a total ban, it might be better for schools to implement rules that regulate when and how phones can be used for educational purposes. When the principal of Madách Imre High School attempted such a flexible solution, he was dismissed from his position after 24 years of service!

What Can Students Do During Breaks Without Their Phones?

Taking away mobile phones and restricting their use may make breaks feel boring for many students, but this is actually a great opportunity for them to engage in other meaningful activities. Here are a few ideas on how students can spend their breaks productively:

• Puzzles: Puzzles are great mental exercises that develop logic and problem-solving skills.
• Writing lists: Listing tasks, dreams, or even daily goals helps to organize thoughts and reduce stress.
• Journaling: Writing down feelings and thoughts can be calming and provides a great way to reflect on life’s important moments later.
• Exercise: A little physical activity, like walking around the schoolyard or doing a quick workout, can energize and improve both physical and mental health.
• Letter writing: Keeping in touch with old friends or family members, even through a traditional letter or postcard, can strengthen relationships.
• Learning games: Educational and logic games help keep the brain alert while being entertaining.
• Creative activities: Drawing, painting, or writing a short story are excellent ways to express creativity.
• Conversations: Take the time to have real conversations with classmates instead of just sending emojis through chat.
• List writing: Make “to-do” lists or other types of lists that can help you organize your day-to-day life.

Final Thoughts

The mobile phone regulation in schools aims to improve students’ focus and discipline, but it’s also important that students spend their breaks meaningfully. Breaks provide an opportunity not only for relaxation but also for engaging in creative, useful, and developmental activities. These activities can help students avoid boredom while contributing to their growth and opening new perspectives.

It is important that schools and students work together to create an environment where both technology and traditional methods have their place, ensuring a harmonious and productive learning experience. We must not forget that today’s children operate differently than their parents did. I see that my own child perceives and understands things in a completely different way and needs interactive learning to grasp concepts effectively. In other words, teachers don’t need to take away phones to keep students engaged, but they also shouldn’t take everything away from them to make lessons enjoyable.

Wishing everyone strength in the upcoming period – patience for the teachers and understanding for the students, because many of the challenges in Hungary’s education system and beyond are not their fault.

Let’s hope for the best!
Ada