There should be a focus on knowledge and education in all classrooms in all schools throughout the country.
That message is given by Minister of Education Anna Ekström (S) when she presents the national plan for security and student peace in the school, which was negotiated by the government, the Liberals and the Center Party earlier this year.
As part of the plan, it is proposed that it should be prohibited for pupils in compulsory school to use private mobile phones in classrooms.
According to Anna Ekström, the basic rule should be that mobile phones should only be used when teachers give permission for this.
Must be able to handle mobile phones
- This is a proposal that can save valuable lesson time and make it easier for teachers to maintain a good study holiday.
Students should not use their mobile phones during class time but concentrate on teaching, says Anna Ekström.
According to the new proposal, teachers must also be able to handle students' mobile phones for preventive purposes.
Today, teachers can only do this if mobile phones interfere with teaching.
In compulsory school, principals must also be able to make decisions about taking care of mobile phones throughout the school day.
"Teachers should not hesitate to intervene"
Another part of the plan for study peace and security is to give teachers and other school staff greater powers to intervene physically against disruptive students and to avert violence and violations.
- Teachers should not hesitate to intervene when needed.
They should feel that they have the support of society when, based on school law and the curriculum, they maintain study peace, says Anna Ekström.
According to the plan, principals will also have greater opportunities to relocate and suspend students who on several occasions have broken rules, disrupted teaching or behaved in an abusive manner towards others.
- Those who have threatened or subjected another student to violence have sometimes had to stay in their class at school when the victim has had to change schools and it naturally sends completely wrong signals, says Anna Ekström.
The plan will now be sent out for consultation.