Smartphones in School: DECS Changes Course, but People's Initiative Remains (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The Department of Education, Culture and Sport (DECS) of Canton Ticino has announced new guidelines on the use of smartphones in school, but the people's initiative for a total ban is not withdrawn.

Contesto

TL;DR - New DECS guidelines allow smartphones in schools with restrictions. - Giorgio Fonio opposes DECS measures, advocates for total ban. - DECS guidelines effective from September 1, 2026. ## Key facts - Guidelines Date: March 20, 2026 - Effective Date: September 1, 2026 - Allowed Use: During breaks and specific educational activities - Prohibited Use: During lessons and exams - People's Initiative: Over 10,000 signatures for total ban - DECS Goal: Balance between technology use and learning environment - School Responsibility: Inform students and parents about guidelines - Teacher Guidelines: Effective and responsible integration of smartphones The debate surrounding the use of smartphones in schools in Canton Ticino has reached a critical point. Giorgio Fonio, Vice President of the Centro, has expressed strong opposition to the new guidelines set by the Department of Education, Culture and Sport (DECS), accusing the department of misleading citizens. According to Fonio, the people's initiative launched by the Centro, which calls for a total ban on smartphones in schools, should not be withdrawn, despite the new measures announced by DECS. The new DECS guidelines, presented on March 20, 2026, allow students to bring their smartphones to school but with certain restrictions. Students will be able to use their devices during breaks and specific educational activities, under the supervision of teachers. However, the use of smartphones will be prohibited during lessons and exams. Fonio argues that these new measures are not sufficient to ensure a healthy and focused learning environment. "We are asking for a ban on bringing them into the premises, and they allow them to be brought to the municipal schools?" Fonio stated, emphasizing his concern about the potential n...

Dettagli operativi

DECS's new guidelines on smartphone use in schools were announced on March 20, 2026, and came into effect on September 1, 2026. Ticinese schools had until August 31, 2026, to adapt to the new measures. The guidelines specify that students can bring their smartphones to school but must turn them off and put them away during lessons and exams. Teachers have the right to ask students to hand in their devices during educational activities if they believe that smartphone use could interfere with the learning process. Schools are required to inform students and parents about the new guidelines and ensure that everyone is aware of the rules. Additionally, schools must develop an action plan to manage any smartphone rule violations, which may include sanctions or disciplinary measures. DECS has also published a set of guidelines for teachers, providing suggestions on how to effectively and responsibly integrate smartphone use into educational activities. These guidelines emphasize the importance of creating a positive learning environment and teaching students to use technology consciously and productively. The new DECS guidelines were developed in collaboration with a working group consisting of educational sector experts, teacher and parent representatives, and student association representatives. The working group examined best practices at the national and international levels and took into account the opinions and needs of all stakeholders. The guidelines were designed to find a balance between technology use and creating a stimulating and safe learning space. The goal is to harness the potential of smartphones as educational tools without compromising student concentration and well-being. DECS has also emphasized the importance of educating students about the respon...

Punti chiave

If you are a parent or student in Canton Ticino, it is important to be aware of the new guidelines on smartphone use in school. These guidelines aim to create a balanced and stimulating learning environment, but it is crucial that everyone respects the rules. For students, it is important to remember that smartphones are a useful tool but must be used responsibly. During lessons and exams, it is essential to turn off the devices and focus on learning. Smartphones can be a valuable resource for research and collaboration, but only when used appropriately and under teacher guidance. For parents, it is important to support your children in adhering to the new guidelines. Talk to your children about the importance of responsible technology use and ensure they understand the school rules. You can also involve teachers and school staff to discuss any concerns or questions about smartphone use in school. Remember that DECS has developed these guidelines to enhance students' learning experience. Responsible smartphone use can be a valuable educational tool, but only when used appropriately. For more information and to calculate your net salary based on the new guidelines, visit our salary calculator section. Here, you can discover how your finances may be affected by school policies and how to best plan your budget. Source: laRegione, March 20, 2026

Punti chiave

[{"q":"When did the new directives on the use of smartphones at school come into force in the Canton of Ticino?","a":"The new directives came into force on 1 September 2026, after being announced on 20 March 2026."},{"q":"What is the role of teachers in managing smartphones during teaching activities according to the new DECS directives?","a":"Teachers have the right to require students to hand over their own devices if they believe that use may interfere with learning, and must supervise the use of smartphones in specific teaching activities."},{"q":"How should students' smartphones be managed during school breaks according to the new DECS directives?","a":"During breaks, students can use their own smartphones, but they must respect the school's rules. Use should be moderate and not interfere with collective well-being. Schools can define additional restrictions based on their autonomy."},{"q":"What penalties are provided for those who violate the rules on the use of smartphones at school in Ticino?","a":"Schools must define an action plan with penalties proportional to the violation, which may include temporary confiscation of the device or disciplinary measures. The measures must be communicated to students and parents."},{"q":"Can teachers ban the use of smartphones even during non-face-to-face teaching activities?","a":"Yes, teachers have the right to request the delivery of devices if they feel that use may impair learning or create distractions, even in non-face-to-face activities such as group work."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new directives on the use of smartphones at school come into force in the Canton of Ticino?
The new directives came into force on 1 September 2026, after being announced on 20 March 2026.
What is the role of teachers in managing smartphones during teaching activities according to the new DECS directives?
Teachers have the right to require students to hand over their own devices if they believe that use may interfere with learning, and must supervise the use of smartphones in specific teaching activities.
How should students' smartphones be managed during school breaks according to the new DECS directives?
During breaks, students can use their own smartphones, but they must respect the school's rules. Use should be moderate and not interfere with collective well-being. Schools can define additional restrictions based on their autonomy.
What penalties are provided for those who violate the rules on the use of smartphones at school in Ticino?
Schools must define an action plan with penalties proportional to the violation, which may include temporary confiscation of the device or disciplinary measures. The measures must be communicated to students and parents.
Can teachers ban the use of smartphones even during non-face-to-face teaching activities?
Yes, teachers have the right to request the delivery of devices if they feel that use may impair learning or create distractions, even in non-face-to-face activities such as group work.

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