Portuguese schools began the new school year today, which will be marked by two significant issues: the ban on smartphones up to 9th grade and the well-known shortage of teachers. On the eve of the start of classes, the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, publicly acknowledged that many students will start the year without all assigned teachers.
The teacher shortage particularly affects the Lisbon area, especially Greater Lisbon and the district of Setúbal. Despite the ministry's efforts, there are still approximately 2,700 schedules to be filled, meaning several classes will be without a teacher for certain subjects.
Regarding the ban on electronic devices, this measure applies to students up to the 9th grade, thus covering basic education. The article does not specify the details of implementing this ban or the planned exceptions.
