Stricter mobile phone regulations imposed in schools by the country
In a bid to improve focus, reduce distractions, and prevent cyberbullying, the state government in southwest Germany has announced plans to establish rules limiting the use of digital devices during private time at schools. The legal regulation for this change is expected to be passed by the state parliament by the end of the year.
The new rules will apply to private use of digital devices, such as during breaks or in homework support. Schools will have the freedom to determine the exact details of these rules, but the government will provide recommendations. Primary schools are proposed to set stricter limits on the use of digital devices compared to secondary and vocational schools.
The government argues that it is giving schools legal certainty for strict rules due to the negative consequences that smartphones can have for children. According to the Minister President, Winfried Kretschmann, examples include children being disturbed during class by phone calls from parents and isolation caused by excessive device usage during breaks.
If the goal of not using smartphones in primary school is not achieved after one year, follow-up measures can be taken. Schools will be required to set rules for handling digital devices on school grounds, and guidelines and sample formulations will be provided by the government for the schools to follow.
Cyberbullying is also a concern, according to State Secretary Boser. The chairman of the state parents' council, Sebastian Kölsch, believes that clear guidelines should be issued for all schools, regardless of location.
While the specifics of the new rules and the government's stated reasons for implementing these changes are not yet clear, many German states have been adopting stricter rules on mobile device use in schools to foster better learning environments and student well-being. The use of personal devices in class under teacher guidance will continue to be allowed.
It is important to note that the search results do not contain direct or recent details from southwest Germany regarding these new rules. For the most current and region-specific information, consulting official education ministry announcements from Baden-Württemberg or local school authorities is recommended. A Staatsanzeiger subscription may be required to subscribe to topics and save articles.
- The education-and-self-development policy-and-legislation in southwest Germany, aimed at improving learning environments and student well-being, includes plans to restrict the use of digital devices during private time at schools.
- The general-news surrounding this policy shows that many German states have been adopting stricter rules on mobile device use in schools, with primary schools proposed to set stricter limits compared to secondary and vocational schools.
