School Parents Advocate for Restriction of Mobile Phones on Campus
In a recent study, the "Leisure Monitor 2025" found that many Germans spend a significant amount of time on their smartphones and the internet, with concerns about mobile phone usage in schools becoming increasingly prominent.
The study revealed that the demand for a mobile phone ban in schools is not a generational issue, as both older and younger generations express concerns. Interestingly, 52% of those aged 40 and above agreed that mobile phones disrupt lessons and concentration, compared to 47% of those aged 18 to 39.
These findings are in line with a survey commissioned by Postbank, which showed that approximately 80% of parents support a ban on mobile phones in schools. 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.
Stefan Dull, president of the German Teachers' Association, believes that smartphones have a high potential for distraction, "which even many adults cannot always withstand." He also suggests that "school-irrelevant objects", including mobile phones, could be collected at the end of the school day.
However, the debate is not one-sided. Teachers have expressed concerns against such a ban, fearing it might hinder emergency situations or hinder communication between students and teachers.
The German Teachers' Association supports the guided use of digital media in schools to help children and young people develop appropriate and responsible use of digital media and social networks. They oppose an outright ban on mobile phones but advocate for a critically reflective use of mobile phones.
Dull, however, advocates for clear rules in schools regarding mobile phone use, suggesting a ban on private mobile phone use during lessons as acceptable.
Recent developments reflect this debate. In June, the state parliament of Saarland banned the use of private smartphones and smartwatches in the first four grades of primary and special schools. On the other hand, schools in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are to regulate mobile phone use themselves.
North Rhine-Westphalia schools are expected to establish age-appropriate rules for mobile phone use by autumn. The broader context suggests that generational differences in parental attitudes towards mobile phones in schools are common, with older parents potentially preferring stricter controls, and younger parents more supportive of integrating smartphones as educational tools.
Despite the lack of specific German studies on this topic, existing global trends suggest that such generational differences are prevalent. As Germany navigates this complex issue, it is crucial to consider the unique demographic and educational diversity of the country to ensure a balanced approach.
[1] Jonathan Haidt, "The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" [2] Common Sense Media, "The 2018 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens" [4] European Commission, "Parental Involvement in Children's Learning: A Review of the Evidence"
- The 'Leisure Monitor 2025' study and the Postbank survey both highlight the growing concern among Germans about mobile phone usage in schools, indicating a potential need for education-and-self-development programs to teach responsible use of technology.
- The debate on mobile phone usage in schools is influenced by lifestyle choices, with older generations expressing more concerns about disruption caused by technology, while younger parents often prefer guiding their children's education-and-self-development through the integration of technology as a learning tool.
