Tightened mobile phone regulations implemented in schools nationwide
In a bid to enhance concentration, reduce distractions, and create a more conducive learning environment, several schools in southwest Germany are updating their regulations on mobile phone use. The state governments of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland, among others, are taking steps to regulate the use of mobile devices in schools.
Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, has stated that rules on private mobile phone use constitute an interference with property and require a legal regulation. The government, therefore, initiated an amendment to the school law to provide schools with legal certainty for strict rules due to the negative consequences smartphones can have for children.
The amendment aims to ensure that every school will have to regulate how, when, and whether mobile devices can be used on school grounds. The rules will only apply to the private use of smartphones and similar devices, such as during breaks or in homework supervision. The use of one's own devices in class under the guidance of teachers will continue to be possible.
Sandra Boser, State Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has indicated that different rules may be needed for primary, secondary, and vocational schools. For instance, narrower limits are suggested for primary schools.
However, not everyone is in agreement with the proposed regulations. Sebastian Koelsch, chairman of the state parents' council, finds the planned legal regulation not far-reaching enough and believes clear guidelines should be issued for all schools. Thomas Speck, head of the Association of Vocational School Teachers, criticized the potential lack of support for teaching staff in cases of damaged devices. Gerhard Brand, chairman of the Association for Education and Education, has questions about liability, particularly in cases of damaged devices.
The state parliament will implement the rules on school grounds. The legal regulation for mobile device usage in schools is expected to be passed by the end of the year. It is important to note that a Staatsanzeiger subscription is required to subscribe to topics and save articles related to these regulations.
As the new school year approaches, it is essential for parents, students, and educators to familiarise themselves with the updated regulations to ensure a smooth transition and adherence to the new rules. For detailed and current information about new mobile device regulations in southwest German states, it is recommended to consult the official education ministry websites or recent press releases from the states mentioned above.
- The education ministry in southwest Germany is working on amending the school law to provide legal certainty for strict mobile phone usage regulations in schools, as education-and-self-development policy-and-legislation becomes more concerned with creating a conducive learning environment.
- Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, has stated that rules on private mobile phone use require a legal regulation due to potential negative consequences for children, which suggests a connection between politics and general-news.
- As the legal regulation for mobile device usage in schools is expected to be passed by the end of the year, parents, students, and educators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated regulations for learning purposes, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about education-and-self-development policy-and-legislation.
