German students oppose general mobile phone ban in schools

Students in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate are pushing back against proposed stricter regulations on smartphone use in schools, arguing that a general ban is a simplistic approach that neglects educational strategies. The state student council (LSV) spokesperson stated that a blanket ban fails to address the core issue and that students need to learn responsible digital media usage.

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A blanket ban is too short-sighted and does not replace pedagogical concepts.

The LSV advocates for a more robust integration of media education into the curriculum and the development of clear, school-specific rules agreed upon by students and faculty. They believe this approach is more effective than a complete prohibition, which they feel is a short-sighted solution.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Ute Eiling-Hütig (CDU) is preparing to introduce stricter rules for the upcoming 2026/27 school year. Her plan involves a ban on private mobile phone usage for students until the end of the 10th grade, encompassing school hours, breaks, and movement between classrooms on school grounds. The specifics of this policy are expected to be detailed at an upcoming press conference.

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Children and adolescents need to learn how to use digital media responsibly.

The student council also emphasized the importance of addressing students' mental health, citing academic pressure and exam stress as significant challenges. They called for increased low-threshold support services, better staffing of school social workers, and more school psychologists. Additionally, the LSV highlighted the need for investment in school digitalization and infrastructure, including reliable Wi-Fi, modern equipment, and functional devices, deeming these essential prerequisites for contemporary education.

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Investments in this are not a voluntary additional task, but a fundamental prerequisite for contemporary education.