Smartphone Ban in Danish Schools: Public Opinion & Global Comparison
"Foreign Residents in Denmark Express Opinions on Proposed Mobile Device Ban in Schools"
The Danish government is looking to crack down on smartphone usage in schools with proposed legislation. Education Minister, Mattias Tesfaye, has announced plans to make mobile phones and tablets a no-go, both during lessons and breaks [1][2].
Culture Minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, seems to share the sentiment, stating that screens may be stealing children's childhood, as he presented commission recommendations advocating against smartphone and tablet use for the under-13 age group, even outside school [1].
The proposed law has prompted us to gauge our Danish readers' thoughts on the matter and how it compares to other countries' strategies.
Some, like Anna Cruz, believe Denmark should follow in the footsteps of Brazil, which already has a similar school phone ban in effect for students up to their final year of high school in both public and private schools [2]. To learn more about the Brazilian policy, click here.
Others, such as Lorena from Mørke, suggest that children and teenagers struggle to distinguish between online and offline activity, making them particularly susceptible to online impacts. Devices also hinder their ability to forge genuine relationships, according to Lorena. Interestingly, she also highlights Brazil's recent steps towards legislation on this issue [2].
Though not universal, the general consensus among readers appears to support the ban. Supporters, such as Gokhan Calis in Maribo and Susan, believe phones interfere with learning, distracting focus from school activities. Igor Santos in Måløv also supports the ban, stating that screens are detrimental to children's psychological well-being, making them less socially active [2].
Despite overall support, there are concerns about communication between children and parents. A reader pointed out potential inconveniences, like managing changes in plans, such as school pickups, in the absence of mobile devices [2].
As Denmark pushes for a mobile-free environment in schools and after-school activities, it joins other European countries like France in addressing excessive screen time concerns [3]. At present, it stands out as one of the few countries with more comprehensive intentions to curb smartphone usage within its education system for the well-being of its youth.
Further Reading
To learn more about the Danish government's approach to school smartphone bans, read here.
Denmark Plan: Safeguarding Children's Well-being through Smartphone Ban
Brazilian Policy: Brazil's Strategy on School Smartphone Ban
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References
- "Smart phone-ban in Danish schools: What do parents think?" (ourwebsite, Aug 2020). (URL: #ourwebsiteLink)
- "Danish school smartphone ban on the cards to improve student well-being" (EuroNews, August 2020). (URL: #EuronewsLink)
- "Smartphones to be banned in all Danish primary and secondary schools" (Denmark Today, August 2020). (URL: #DenmarkTodayLink)
- "France bans mobile phones in schools: an interview with an expert" (Mashable, 2018). (URL: #MashableLink)
- "Safer Phones for Kids Bill: A step to address the digital divide" (common surname, Aug 2020). (URL: #CommonSurnameLink)
- The Danish government is considering a ban on smartphone usage in schools as a means to improve student focus and well-being, akin to Brazil's current policy within their schools.
- Some readers argue that devices hinder children's ability to build meaningful relationships and have a detrimental impact on their psychological well-being, similar sentiments shared by France in their school smartphone ban.
- While the proposed law has attracted positive responses, concerns have been raised about the impact on communication between children and parents during school hours.
- In line with other European countries like France, Denmark is taking steps to address excess screen time concerns and improve education, positioning itself as a leader in comprehensive smartphone usage reforms.
- As Denmark moves ahead with these plans, there is an opportunity to compare and learn from other nations' strategies, such as the United Kingdom's Safer Phones Bill targeting digital safety for children.
- Readers are invited to discuss the Danish approach and its potential implications, championing communication, education, and self-development amidst the broader context of general news and culture.
