Μake us preferred on Google Greece’s Education Ministry announced this week new regulations governing school trips and educational tours, with the changes set to take effect in September with the start of the school year.
The updated framework includes stricter safety measures, expanded opportunities for experiential learning, and new rules covering student behavior and the use of mobile phones during school trips.
Under the new regulations, teachers will have the right to switch off and confiscate students’ mobile phones if they are used to photograph, videotape or record teachers or other students without their consent. Confiscated devices will be returned to the student’s parent or guardian after the trip.
The new measures expand opportunities for field trips. Primary school classes will be able to take at least six trips per school year, giving students more opportunities for experiential learning and exposure to culture, science, the environment, and wider society.
To help reduce costs, schools will also be able to collaborate and organize joint trips both within Greece and abroad.
Stricter safety requirements
The updated regulations introduce additional safety measures for school excursions. Schools will be able to increase the number of teachers accompanying students when necessary. Tourist agencies involved in school trips will also face additional requirements. The travel agency owner and staff accompanying students must provide criminal record certificates.
The regulations also give teachers greater opportunities to participate in Erasmus programs. A previous 14-day restriction covering travel during certain school holiday periods has been lifted.
The new framework also addresses serious disciplinary issues during school trips. Students found to be causing significant disruption may be sent home. In such cases, parents or guardians will be responsible for collecting the student and arranging their return at their own expense and responsibility.
The regulations also lower the participation requirement for trips organized by special schools. For School Units for Special Education and Training (SMEAE), the minimum student participation required for a field trip to proceed will be reduced from 70% to 50%. SMEAE are educational institutions designed to meet the specific learning, developmental and educational needs of students with disabilities or special educational needs.
