Italy's education ministry on Tuesday issued schools with a letter banning the use of mobile phones during lessons, confirming the measures proposed by the new right-wing government in late November.The letter, signed by education minister Giuseppe Valditara, described the use of cell phones as "an element of distraction" and "lack of respect to teachers" whose "authority must be restored as a priority."The circular added that the use of cell phones and other electronic devices may however be permitted, with the permission of the teacher, for educational and training puroposes.Italy's schools are invited to ensure compliance with the phone ban and "if necessary, promote more stringent additions to the rules" to "prevent the misuse of these devices."Latest newsLatest Whats'onLatest ClassifiedsLatest Yellow PagesEVENTS THIS WEEK|M||T||W||T||F||S||S|Rome areasLatest classifiedsArgentario - Orbetello centrale Piazza della Posta, monocamera chiavi in manoEnglish Kindergarten TeacherPENTHOUSE FOR SALE - SAN SABA - JUST BEHIND FAO!"