High percentage of parents favor instituting phone bans in schools, survey shows
In the realm of education, mobile phones have become a contentious issue, with educators and parents expressing concerns about distractions, interference with academic instruction, and potential impacts on student safety and school climate. Many view phones as disruptive during the school day and prefer strict limitations or bans, especially during instructional time, to ensure focus and reduce bullying or misuse.
Germany, with its federal education system, reflects this global debate. Regional policies vary significantly, with some states introducing rules that restrict or ban mobile phone use during lessons or the entire school day. Schools in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, for instance, are left to regulate mobile phone use themselves.
In contrast, North Rhine-Westphalia is planning to establish age-appropriate rules for mobile phone use in all schools by autumn. Similarly, the state parliament of Saarland has already banned the use of private smartphones and smartwatches in the first four grades of primary and special schools.
However, the enforcement and specifics of these policies can differ by region. While some schools are increasingly moving towards banning phones or requiring them to be stored away during lessons, others allow for more leniency, such as phones being silenced rather than confiscated.
Stefan Dülle, president of the German Teachers' Association, advocates for clear rules in schools regarding mobile phone use. He believes in promoting a critical and reflective use of mobile phones, but rejects an outright ban. Instead, he suggests guidelines that help children and young people to develop the necessary skills to use digital media and social networks appropriately and responsibly.
This attitude is not a generational issue. A recent representative study, "Leisure Monitor 2025", found that 52% of those aged 40 and above agree that mobile phones disrupt lessons and concentration, compared to 47% of those aged 18 to 39. Thomas Brosch, head of digital sales at Postbank, stated that many parents see the academic success of their children at risk due to a lack of concentration skills and wish for clear official rules and protected spaces.
Interestingly, the survey found that around 80% of parents expressed support for a ban on mobile phones in schools. Furthermore, 49% of respondents with children believe that smartphones disrupt lessons and concentration. However, 32% support a ban but think there should be exceptions for certain situations.
This push for regulation aligns with trends elsewhere, like Florida or South Carolina in the U.S., where bans during school hours are being mandated due to similar concerns about student focus and safety. As Germany navigates this complex issue, it continues to grapple with finding the right balance between technology and traditional education.
[1] [Link to Florida news article on mobile phone ban in schools] [2] [Link to South Carolina news article on mobile phone ban in schools]
In North Rhine-Westphalia, plans are underway to establish age-appropriate rules for mobile phone use in schools by autumn, reflecting a shift towards regulating technology in education. Similarly, Saarland has already implemented a ban on the use of private smartphones and smartwatches in the first four grades of primary and special schools. Despite variations in enforcement, a large majority of parents (80%) expressed support for a ban on mobile phones in schools, indicating a growing concern for education-and-self-development in the digital age.
