Q COSTARICA — With the return to school in Costa Rica just around the corner and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the last year, the question is once again resonating strongly among experts, teachers, psychologists, parents, and others: should cell phones be banned from the classroom?
The answer is not simple, as it is full of nuances, such as: how much can it affect a student’s concentration? Should elementary and middle school students have access to technology? And what will happen to students who lack resources?
In the case of Costa Rica, the Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP—Ministry of Public Education—indicated last September that cell phones would be banned in classrooms, but last week it announced a new directive in the opposite direction and even left the decision to use these devices in the classroom up to the teachers. The idea is that their use will be regulated.
It was also made clear that the misuse of cell phones, such as for social media, to promote bullying or violate classmates’ privacy, will be penalized with a negative conduct grade.
Classes resume on February 23.
In the case of private schools, the decision to allow cell phones will depend on each institution.
But what do the experts think? And what is happening globally regarding this issue?
Expert Opinion
Several experts consulted emphasize that students should have contact with technology, especially since in the modern world they are exposed to AI and will, moreover, be immersed in a future job market that will rely on it.
However, some experts believe that preschool and elementary school children should not be exposed to cell phones in the classroom, as they develop various skills during this period. This measure should even be extended to the early years of high school.
They also emphasize that cell phones, when used properly in the classroom alongside AI, can enhance the teaching process, but can never replace a teacher.
“Banning the device might offer an immediate sense of order, but it doesn’t teach self-regulation or prepare students for a world where technology will be a constant presence in every aspect of their lives,” said Elena Carreras, director of projects and services at the Omar Dengo Foundation.
Meanwhile, César Toruño, president of the College of Licensed Teachers, which represents all teachers in the country, stressed that Costa Rica should emulate international best practices.
“Cell phones and AI are a complement to the core educational process; that is, for example, in elementary school, the most important things we should develop are literacy skills in Spanish, scientific and mathematical thinking, logic, and social skills, and these principles also apply to preschool and secondary school,” Toruño said.
The educator pointed out that the removal of cell phones from the educational setting is being addressed by European countries with successful experiences, starting with a ban for preschool and primary school levels, and in some cases, extending to what we know as the third cycle (grades 7-9).
The problems
Students’ concentration problems, as they prefer browsing social media and other websites, difficulty providing all students with adequate technical equipment, barriers to internet access, and the widening digital divide between rural and urban areas, as well as due to income levels, are other barriers and complications.
In this regard, experts indicate that the country must discuss the issue and determine the best way to incorporate technology into the classroom.
Technology is here to stay, so banning cell phones from classrooms completely isn’t the answer. Most experts agree that it’s better to regulate how these devices are used. That said, they also recommend keeping them away from preschool and elementary kids altogether.