“Mobile Phones Should Not Have a Place in Schools”: Greek Prime Minister Outlines 11 Changes for the New School Year

As the new school year in Greece approaches, significant changes are set to improve the educational experience for students and teachers alike. During a recent meeting, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Ministry of Education, Religion, and Sports unveiled 11 key changes that will take effect when schools reopen on September 11, 2024. These changes focus on enhancing the quality of teaching, integrating technology into classrooms, and addressing behavioural issues.

 Detailed Overview of the 11 Changes for the New School Year:

1. Record Teacher Appointments: A total of 10,000 new teachers will be hired across all specialties, nearly matching the combined appointments made in the previous two years. This will strengthen the public education system, particularly in special education, where appointments will quadruple compared to last year.

2. Digital Tutorial Program: Starting September 16, a pilot digital tutorial will be available to high school students preparing for national exams. The program offers live evening lectures, personalised support, and interactive participation, with 98 teachers covering 45 subjects.

3. Autonomous Classes in Remote Areas: Gavdos and Arkioi will be the first remote areas to benefit from schools staffed by three teachers and supported by modern distance education, allowing students to access education without leaving their homes.

4. Interactive Learning Systems: By the end of 2024, 36,264 interactive whiteboards will be installed in classrooms from 5th grade to 3rd high school, with 28,504 already in place. Additionally, 177,112 new robotics systems are being introduced to foster interactive learning.

5. e-Parents Application: This digital tool keeps parents informed about their child’s grades, absences, and progress, and will soon include updates on the material being taught and meeting schedules with teachers.

6. Stop-Bullying Platform: The anti-bullying platform has proven effective, with over 1,200 parents and 185 students already registered. Teachers now have the necessary tools and training to address bullying incidents within schools.

7. New School Regulations: Greece joins other European countries in banning mobile phones during school hours. Non-compliance will result in suspensions, and stricter rules will apply to absences and disciplinary measures.

8. Active Citizen Initiatives: The curriculum will now align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, teaching students about healthy living, social responsibility, and environmental protection through dedicated workshops and school activities.

9. School Vocational Guidance: By the end of the school year, 1st-year high school students will have access to career guidance services, including standardised questionnaires and individual counseling sessions to help them identify their talents and career paths.

10. IT Certification: The IT curriculum in high schools is being updated with new textbooks and a focus on computing fundamentals, data analysis, and ethical issues. The new materials will be available digitally this year and in print by 2025-2026.

11. Literature Program: A new approach to literature will be introduced, emphasizing the reading of complete literary works instead of excerpts. This change aims to foster a love of reading and critical thinking among students.

 Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ Vision

Prime Minister Mitsotakis stressed the government’s commitment to these educational reforms, highlighting the consistent policy to replace substitute teachers with permanent staff. “The government’s policy is being implemented with absolute consistency and concerns the gradual replacement of substitute teachers with regular staff,” he stated.

He also underscored the importance of integrating technology into education, noting the installation of interactive whiteboards and the launch of the digital tutorial program. “We provide a free digital tutorial with excellent teachers, covering all subjects in the national exams,” Mitsotakis said. He believes these changes will make education more interactive and engaging.

Mitsotakis also addressed the new rules regarding student behaviour, particularly the mobile phone ban. “Mobile phones should not have a place in schools,” he said, explaining that the decision is based on scientific data showing the negative impact of mobile phone use on learning. The Prime Minister hopes that this initiative will improve focus and discipline among students.

 Minister Perrakakis on Upcoming Reforms

Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, calling this year “the year of the school.” He stated, “These 11 changes are just the beginning of a series of very big changes.” Perrakakis also highlighted the international consensus on the need for mobile phone bans in schools, referencing UNESCO guidelines.

These reforms mark a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of education in Greece, ensuring that students receive the best possible support, both academically and behaviorally. As the new school year begins, these changes are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the educational landscape.

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