CSN News reports that grades have improved and bullying has decreased in the Spanish region where phones were banned from schools.

MURCIA’s ban on mobile phone use in public schools led to a marked improvement in children’s behaviour, and an improved exam pass rate.

Students with disabilities who need to access a lesson during class can use their phones.

Victor Marin, Education minister for the region, stated this week that serious crimes in schools had decreased 31% since then.

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Before the ban, 20% of serious offenses committed by students in high school or vocational training were related to inappropriate mobile phone use.

UNESCO reported in 2023 that the average time for a child to regain focus after receiving a telephone message or notification was around 20 minutes.

Victor Marin explained that the new measure was implemented to improve school conditions.

“We wanted to make sure that all students felt valued and supported,” he said.

According to Minister, the number of inquiries about cyberbullying has dropped by 24,4%. Meanwhile, harassment cases are down by 73%.

Marin also noted that the number of abusive comments posted by teachers on mobile phones has decreased by 23%.

The results of the exams have also improved since the ban was introduced. There has been a 1.35 percent improvement in students who pass all subjects, and a 1.27% drop in students who fail three or more subject-requiring resits.