Virtual violence has resulted in numerous measures aimed at protecting children. Some schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina have banned students from using cell phones, which they hope will also solve inattention during classes.
Instead of looking at their cell phones, the students of the “Richmond Park” school in Bihać spend their vacation socializing with each other. They must leave them at home or put them in designated places. It’s a rule that’s been in place here for years and it’s yielding results.
Nermin Efendic, principal of the “Richmond Park” school in Bihac: “I think it’s good, because they’ll be much more focused. They know there’s no cell phone and they don’t expect a message or something. Their attention is directed towards what needs to be at that moment – that’s teaching.”
And the rule is respected. Students, especially those who came from state schools, say that at the beginning this measure was rigorous for them. Now they are used to it.
“The children who have been here since the first grade got used to it. From the first to the sixth grade, we were not allowed to wear anything, it contributed to our knowledge. I think it is a very good idea for all schools. They will see a lot of improvement in the students.”, says Iman Durakovic, a student.
“If you are used to the phone and use it often, it is more difficult. I, who have been here since the first grade, have gotten used to that system and it is not that difficult for me,” Lana Krzalic said.
With the new rules, the school year has also started for the students of the Elementary School “25 November” in Velika Kladuša. This happened due to a number of different situations. They hope that other schools will follow their example.
“Students focus less on the teaching process, there is a lack of socialization, there is cyber violence, and there is also illegal photography and filming of teachers and other employees at the school,” said Alma Karajic, pedagogue at “25 November” Primary School.
“Worrying was the socialization of the students, where we noticed during the big vacations that they simply don’t hang out anymore. If they are in a group, then everyone is there, but there are also phones and they communicate together.”
According to educators, the decision is an attempt to show children a new, real world that many do not even know about due to the excessive use of technology. And only when the class is over, students can take their cell phones. Those who made such a decision say that time will show that it was the right one.
