Following a cabinet decision, schools will implement secure storage solutions for phones as part of a nationwide initiative to promote mobile-free environments. A government allocation of €9 million will fund these measures, which include pouches, lockable boxes, and cubby holes. Guidance will be provided to schools for creating mobile-free zones, aimed at encouraging students to engage socially without distractions. Concerns about cyberbullying in classrooms have also been raised, underlining the importance of creating safe learning environments. Funding applications will soon be available for schools at different educational levels.
"This is a pragmatic and sensible way to proceed," Mr Harris said. "I think it will be welcomed by school principals, teachers, boards of management and, I believe, young people. We need to look at what more we need to do to allow our children be children."
Guidance will soon be provided to all schools on putting policies in place to ensure they are mobile-free zones during the day. Students will be encouraged to disconnect and to learn, Mr Harris said.
Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan noted that it is also about "how young people might be protected from cyber bullying in the classroom setting," highlighting the need for funding to implement strategies.
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