Saxony-Anhalt schools to get online tool for mobile phone rules

Schools in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt are set to gain more autonomy in regulating mobile phone use among students. State officials, including Minister President Sven Schulze and Education Minister Jan Riedel, advocate for individualized solutions rather than a blanket ban, which they deem counterproductive.

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This must be discussed in the school community.

"The school community must discuss this," stated Riedel, emphasizing that each institution should tailor its policies to its specific form, age group, and educational concept. He stressed the need for a balanced approach, positioning schools as both safe havens and learning environments. "We are not on an absolute ban wave," he added.

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We are not on an absolute ban wave.

To facilitate this, a new online tool, described as a digital "rule toolbox," will assist schools in developing appropriate regulations. This resource offers concrete suggestions and templates for parent communications, specifically targeting schools from the fifth grade onwards. Riedel noted that primary schools would require different rules.

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With the online tool, there is now a digital 'rule toolbox' with which tailor-made solutions can be developed.

Discussions with students at the Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium in Magdeburg revealed that many students themselves are frustrated by excessive phone use and are open to restrictions. Minister President Schulze shared that mobile phone usage is also a topic of discussion within his own family. He underscored the importance of digital literacy, equating it to fundamental skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic, while also highlighting the shared responsibility of parents and teachers in its development.

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In primary school, completely different rules must apply.