Life at Ratsgymnasium: Mobile Phone Uproar and Rule Adjustments
Restriction Imposed: Pupils in Gütersloh County Schools Prohibited
Rheda-Wiedenbrück's Ratsgymnasium has seen a decade of mobile phone usage regulations, but times have changed. The social media era has sparked a shift in these norms, leading to a revamp of guidelines. Moritz Beckmann, student representative, is one of many students mentioned by headmaster Martin Zurwehme as a model of "many very reasonable and responsible students."
Together, the school community collectively sought a "pragmatic way" to manage mobile phones, an initiative driven by the educational staff. Teacher Sören Voss recalls a wall ofInformation campaigns, media education, and workshops, but prevention was overwhelmed. "A huge wave had arisen that we could no longer prevent," says Zurwehme.
Before classes, 90% of students would be glued to their smartphones, insisting on finishing games like Candy Crush to prevent losing levels. Teachers' no's were met with bad moods. Younger students preferred playing on their phones rather than sharing weekend experiences, while Moritz found this behavior disheartening during bus rides.
The social media world is a clever dopamine trap, according to Moritz, fueling the "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO). Our brains aren't designed for the abundance of information, leading to increased stress.
Now, respect and communication are the priorities at Ratsgymnasium, with social interaction on the agenda. while smartphones offer numerous opportunities, constant entertainment during class or breaks is no longer desired. As a result, fifth to tenth-graders are now prohibited from using mobile phones, except for emergencies. Older students can still use their phones outside of class but only in specific, designated areas.
Initially, students resisted the mobile phone ban. However, many came to understand the reasoning behind it. Meanwhile, parents have shown enthusiasm, perhaps due to their own struggle to enforce phone regulations at home. Today, parents inquire if students already have phones, unlike five years ago when they'd ask if their child would receive a tablet.
rule violators will be reminded first. If the issue persists, phones must be handed in to the secretary's office. "Some do come here, but discussions about the new regulation are few and far between," says Zurwehme.
The changing social media landscape and its impact on young minds is a topic of discussion in Gütersloh. Ratsgymnasium's approach contrasts the fear of missing out with the desire for respectful communication and social interaction. As students engage in self-reflection, fostering mental health awareness, the phone ban has become an integral part of daily life, even among the younger ones.
- The new rules at Ratsgymnasium aim to promote respect and communication, moving away from constant entertainment on mobile phones during class or breaks, with the ban on using these devices except for emergencies for fifth to tenth-graders.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, the school community aims to help students navigate the clever dopamine trap of the social media world, fostering mental health awareness and setting boundaries to reduce the 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO), encouraging a lifestyle that prioritizes social interaction over constant digital distractions.
