Portuguese Education Minister's Statement on PISA Results and Social Media
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre attributed the score drop of students in international tests to smartphones and external assessment policies.
Portuguese Education Minister Fernando Alexandre stated that the decline recorded by students in the country's PISA results stems from social media use and the devaluation of external assessments.
Decline Observed in PISA Results
Portuguese students recorded their worst performance ever in the Reading section of the international PISA program, and overall results regressed to 2006 levels.
Causes of the Decline and Minister's Statements
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre stated in his speech in parliament that the learning loss is not coincidental and that the decline is also seen in Mathematics and Sciences.
Impact of Social Media and Smartphones
Minister Alexandre emphasized that access to social networks and the use of smartphones are among the main factors negatively affecting children's ability to concentrate.
Restrictions Implemented in Schools
The Ministry issued a recommendation in 2024 to regulate smartphone use in schools and stated that the ban will be extended to the 9th grade starting in January.