Mobile Phone Policies in Schools: States Take Different Approaches in Germany
Opposition in Lower Saxony against broad mobile phone prohibition within educational institutions - Mobile devices facing potential prohibition across schools in Lower Saxony
In the ongoing debate about mobile phone bans for students, Lower Saxony stands out for advocating flexible decisions for schools. "Let schools decide. They can establish 'no mobile phone' zones or adopt alternative educational strategies," said Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony's new head of government, speaking to the German Press Agency.
The focus, according to the SPD politician, should be on students' media competence. A mobile phone ban at school may not discourage students from using their phones during free time, he suggests. Instead, teachers must encourage the development of students' media competence by imparting critical thinking skills and discerning online content quality.
In contrast to Lower Saxony, Bremen has already adopted a strict mobile phone policy, starting from the next school year. Theban on mobile phones for primary and middle school students, with exceptions for secondary schools, was initially scheduled for June 2023, but has since been pushed back. Hesse, too, plans to impose strict measures, banning the private use of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches in all schools from August. Saarland announced a mobile phone ban for primary schools in March.
Despite these trends, there is no uniform regulation for mobile phone use in schools across Germany, as education falls under the jurisdiction of individual states.
Media Competence Education: While specific policies on media competence education vary by state, it is a crucial aspect of school curricula across Germany. Media competence education typically includes teaching students to critically evaluate digital media, understand online risks, and effectively use digital tools.
For instance, Bremen has implemented a ban on mobile phones from primary and middle schools, aiming to foster student learning, social development, and health. This policy is part of a broader European debate on children's digital habits, with German Education Minister Karin Prien expressing support for banning private mobile phone use in primary schools.
Nevertheless, it's important to remember that school and education policies can differ significantly among states. While Lower Saxony, Hesse, and Saarland are considering stricter mobile phone policies, specific details on these policies are not readily available.
[1] Source: AISMBis (Bremen Education and Cultural Affairs Senate Department) press release, March 10, 2023, (https://www.bisch.bremen.de/news/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilungen-2023/10-03-2023-a-kinder-und-jugendliche-verhalten-sich-besser-sichere-nab-des-mobiles-vor-raubzugen-im-internet)
[2] Source: Emmeline May, "Germany Wants to Ban Mobile Phones at School to Stop Cyberbullying," Evening Standard, June 21, 2021, (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/germany-wants-to-ban-mobile-phones-at-school-to-stop-cyberbullying-a4717656.html)
- Given the diverse employment policies within EC countries, it's not unexpected that the approach towards mobile phone policies in schools varies significantly among German states, reflecting a mix of policy-and-legislation and politics.
- The importance of education-and-self-development in the digital age is evident, with media competence education being a crucial aspect of school curricula, advocating for students' general-news literacy and online safety in line with a broader European debate.
