19-03-2025
German state set to restrict use of mobile phones in schools
The south-western German state of Baden-Württemberg is set to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools.
Theresa Schopper, the state minister for culture, youth and sports, told dpa on Wednesday that she is planning an educational regulation with clear guidelines for the use of smartphones in schools.
"I am concerned about protecting our children and young people," Schopper said, arguing that the negative effects of smartphones have been proven.
The minister cited the impacts of mobile phone use on concentration, learning ability and mental health as examples, warning of the risks of cyberbullying and emotional isolation.
"It's time to act," said the minister. She called for "clear, age-appropriate regulations."
Bans on mobile phones in schools are already commonplace or in the works in other European countries such as Italy, Denmark and France.
In Germany, however, rules on the use of smartphones vary widely as federal states are responsible for education.
The German Education Union criticized the proposed initiative.
"A smartphone ban in schools may sound pithy and assertive, but it is completely unrealistic," said board member Anja Bensinger-Stolze. "Who is ultimately going to enforce this in schools?"
Many schools already have good rules in place on mobile phone use, she argued, and a ban could be counterproductive.
"It would be much better to empower children and young people to use smartphones responsibly and to support teachers as education professionals in teaching media skills - for example through further training, strengthening democratic school processes and a good, public digital infrastructure at schools."
According to a study by the Bitkom digital association in December 2024, three-quarters of children between the ages of 10 and 12 have a smartphone, rising to 90% for 13 to 15-year-olds.
