Restriction on cell phone use in educational centers divides opinions among parents and citizens

Santo Domingo.– The new measures implemented by the Ministry of Education (MINERD) to restrict the use of cell phones in educational centers have generated divided opinions among parents, guardians, and citizens, who debate the impact of these devices on the learning, discipline, and safety of students. The provision, applied with the aim of strengthening school coexistence, reducing distractions, and promoting a healthier educational environment, has been supported by a large part of the population consulted, who believe that the excessive use of mobile devices affects the academic and behavioral development of children and adolescents. “I understand very well that they restrict cell phones because that prevents children from having adequate mental growth and development”, expressed Lucía. Similarly, Martha considered that the indiscriminate use of smartphones has become a social problem that negatively impacts young people. "Don't let them take them to schools, because that's what's damaging young people right now," she stated.

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Some users also understand the regulation from a prevention and safety perspective. Daniel maintained that mobile devices facilitate inappropriate behavior among minors. "I see that as a good thing. You know that with a cell phone, any young girl of 13 or 14 plans inappropriate outings or meetings by telling you 'wait for me on such and such corner.' Without a cell phone, those types of situations become more complicated for them," he commented. However, although there is consensus on the need to reduce distractions in the classroom, several parents expressed concerns related to immediate communication in emergency situations. "On the one hand, I agree, because sometimes they don't focus on assignments because they're on their phones. But on the other hand, it's wrong, because if there's an emergency at school, the student needs to call their mom," said Lula, mother of a student. Likewise, some understand that the restrictions should be applied differently depending on the age of the students. Marcos, a family father, proposed control mechanisms within the educational centers. "Those in primary school don't need the phone, perhaps because of their age, but those in secondary school, I think they do, because teenagers of 13 and 14 years old need it. What needs to be done is to take a measure: that a person in charge takes their phone away when they enter the center, because they get too distracted when studying," she pointed out. Meanwhile, Federico highlighted the importance of balancing new technologies with traditional teaching methods, recognizing the internet as a key tool for academic research. "The teacher must do their job with the blackboard, not rely on the cell phone. Now, if the students are going to research an assignment, obviously they need the phone to look for it on the internet, because we are no longer in the old times," he expressed.