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On March 13th, the Ministry of Education, along with the institution’s Innovation Center, presented the guidelines(ESP) for regulating the use of cellphones and mobile devices in educational institutions.
This is in the context of the Day against cyberbullying, established to promote dialogue around digital coexistence and the challenge of digital relationships regardless of age. According to the presenters, in Chile, 87% of children and students have their own cell phone with internet access, with the average age of acquisition being between 8 and 9 years old.
“The new guidelines encourage the autonomy of educational communities by defining the pedagogical uses of phones, to enhance their benefits and reduce risks,” says Amaranta Alfaro, coordinator of Digital Citizenship.
The guidelines are divided by age range. In this sense, the use of devices is not recommended for children under 6 years old, while children over 6 years old can integrate their use under supervision for educational purposes. Particularly, preadolescents and adolescents over 12 years old can have a deeper and more critical exploration of the contents taught in institutions through digital devices.
On the other hand, Dr. Josefina Escobar, a psychologist, Faculty at UAI, and collaborator of Fostering Digital Citizenship, emphasizes that the guidelines consider the work that must be done in a family-school alliance.
“Parents or caregivers play a fundamental role in the proper use of technology at home, in line with school regulations. By accompanying, setting limits, and mediating in a responsible use that is appropriate for the development stage of each child or adolescent. And at this point, not forgetting to promote and ensure other spaces for social and emotional development outside the screen.”
Considering the nature of the document, the recommendations are not mandatory, and it is up to the institutions to decide whether to modify their internal regulations. Therefore, the document also includes annexes with workshops and exercises to open this discussion in the educational community.