Andorra Schools Start Year Without iPads After Pupil Accesses Porn

Andorra's schools began the new academic year without iPads in first-grade classrooms, as an external audit of more than 300 withdrawn devices nears completion. Education Minister Ladislau Baró stated on Wednesday that a decision on their return will come by late September, depending on whether the review confirms their safety.

The iPads were pulled after a first-grade pupil accessed pornographic material in June through a flaw in a protective app. Each device is undergoing individual checks, alongside an assessment of the XENA network linking Andorran schools. Baró emphasised that the tablets would resume a limited role, strictly supporting pedagogy, only if auditors verify no security risks remain. Otherwise, they will stay out of classrooms.

The minister assured that classes are proceeding normally using alternative tools, including books, paper and other technology. He framed the move within a broader policy to subordinate digital devices to educational needs, rather than making them central to learning.

A total of 10,940 pupils started the year on Wednesday, down around 300 from last year's 11,240. Enrolment rose in Spanish-system schools to 3,161 and at the British College, but fell 4.5% or 150 students in the French system to 3,200, and dipped in the Andorran system.

Baró, who also handles Institutional Relations and Universities, opened the term on Monday. He highlighted rapid social and technological changes as challenges, calling for trust, dialogue and shared goals among families and schools to foster pupils' academic success, emotional wellbeing and development.