In Romania, this prohibition already exists in the education law, but most directors admit they haven't been able to detach children from mobile phones, at least during classes.

In recent months, similar measures have been introduced in Brazil and Spain to prevent "digital addiction". 97% of high school students leave for school with a mobile phone, the English have shown. Most keep it on the desk, open, and exhibit a behavior known as "glancing". In other words, they glance at the screen every 3-4 minutes, immediately shifting their attention from what the teacher is saying to what is happening on their phone.

Student: "If the lesson appears dull, I do open my phone and browse".

Student: "I also spend time on TikTok".

Ancuța Vaida, Romanian language teacher: "It is a problem we face in our teaching activities. Their attention is immediately distracted. Children's interest is especially directed towards games".

The British government, which already implements the ban on bringing phones to school, hopes that students will concentrate more easily in class.

Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education: "We, as adults, have our attention diverted by mobile phones, and this happens even more easily to children, affecting their development and social integration".

School directors have been given permission to conduct body searches to find hidden mobile phones - a decision contested even by some teachers. The use of digital devices brought from home is prohibited in Romania as well, except for certain spaces and moments outlined in each school's regulations. For instance, in the computer laboratory or when the teacher specifically asks for it during lessons.

The new education law allows teachers to "confiscate" digital devices from students who do not follow the rules, intending to hand them over to parents. Few teachers take such action. Some think it is a lost battle, while others do not want to work extra. Verbal reports and meetings with the child's parents are required.

Some private schools are even stricter. Students work on the institution's tablets, on which they cannot install applications.

Nicoleta Bercaru, director of a private school: "When they invest a significant amount of time, they likely acquire certain digital skills. However, it's essential to note that this doesn't necessarily imply proficiency in tasks like writing in Word or working in PowerPoint, which are specific digital skills. It's akin to an addiction. I see the phone in the child's hand and even in the stroller. They lose connection with their surroundings, including their meals. If you place a tablet on the table, they may not even be aware of what you're feeding them".

Educators request parents to implement similar supervision at home.