On Monday morning, Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis provided further clarifications regarding the new school regulations, particularly concerning the ban on mobile phone use by students. He explained, “The display and use of mobile phones are prohibited. It can remain in your pocket, but this applies even during breaks, and the penalty is a one-day suspension.”

Speaking to SKAI, he reminded that in extreme cases, where a student is recorded in a highly personal situation, the individual responsible for the recording will be transferred to a different school.

According to Mr. Pierrakakis, “These are tools that educators have been persistently requesting since last school year,” adding that the Ministry of Education will support them in implementing these measures.

“We understand that these tools will require time, but it is a matter of public health. It’s not about technophobia, but about changing how mobile phones are used,” he emphasized.

“Marietta Giannakou” School Renovation Program

Mr. Pierrakakis also discussed the “Marietta Giannakou” program, valued at €250 million, which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), aimed at renovating schools across the country.

He mentioned that the first meeting, led by the prime minister and including himself, Christos Staikouras, Theodoros Livanios, and other relevant officials, would take place later in the day.

The program, funded by the Public Investment Program, will begin this year, the minister explained, noting that there are 12,812 school buildings across the country, 5,000 of which are kindergartens.

“This involves upgrading school infrastructure to improve daily life, including bringing sports fields up to modern standards. The needs will exceed the allocated funds, and we will seek additional resources and sponsorships from the private sector, as was done in Thessaly,” added Mr. Pierrakakis