Phones in Schools: A Controversial Topic in Germany's Educational Landscape
Is it appropriate to prohibit the use of mobile phones in educational institutions?
Schools across Germany grapple with the contentious issue of mobile phone use during school hours. As the debate rages on, let's take a look at who's making waves and the pitfalls that need to be addressed.
Mobile Phone Policies Vary
With education being the responsibility of the federal states, the rules surrounding mobile phone usage in schools remain inconsistent. Some states, like Bavaria, impose an outright ban on primary school students, while others, like North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, rely on each school to form its own policies. Hesse plans to implement a complete ban by the 2025-2026 school year, with exceptions only at the upper secondary level.
The Fight for Restrictions
Federal Minister of Education Karin Prien advocates for limiting mobile phone use in primary schools. She argues that extensive screen time is linked to poorer learning performance, lower social skills, and psychological problems. Psychologist Isabel Brandhorst concurs, stating that excessive usage times often lead to internet use disorders.
The Case for A Complete Ban
Hesse's Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz, supports a restrictive approach due to the potential impact on students' mental health and learning abilities. He believes schools should be free of distractions and fears. Educational researcher Klaus Zierer also calls for a complete ban on the grounds that smartphones distract too much, and they should be stored in "mobile phone garages" during school hours.
Arguments Against Strict Measures
The Teachers' Association opposes an absolute ban on mobile phones in schools, instead advocating for "critically reflective use" that encourages responsible handling of these devices. They argue that a complete ban might encourage secret use, which is difficult to control.
The Impact on Students
Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann considers a complete ban legally uncertain. He mentions the potential implications on property rights and communication with parents.
Age Matters
Like most federal states, Education Minister Prien differentiates between primary school students and those in upper secondary schools. Experts recommend that children get their first smartphone between ages 11 and 12, but with restrictions in place to ensure they use the devices responsibly.
The Future of Phone Policies
A "smartphone-free zone" in schools is still a rarity, but the focus is mainly on primary schools. In the end, every state will implement its own regulations to varying degrees, with responsibility lying heavily on schools to develop concepts that encourage a safe and focused learning environment for students.
Several European countries, including France and the Netherlands, have already implemented phone bans in class. Italy plans to do the same for higher classes starting in 2025-2026.
A survey shows that over 90% of Germans support restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, with over half favoring an outright ban. The oldest age group (55+) shows the highest support for restrictions, while the youngest (18-24) exhibits the least.
The discussion on mobile phone policies in schools expansion could lead to Europe-wide restrictions, as countries like France, Netherlands, and Italy consider or plan for comprehensive phone bans. With a recent survey revealing that over 90% of Germans support restrictions, including a majority favoring an outright ban, there is a clear demand for vocational training programs to address the rising technological prevalence in society, such as proper student etiquette with gadgets like smartphones.
