Phones prohibited in primary schools across Saxony region
In a significant move towards fostering a healthier learning environment, Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Family, Karin Prien, has proposed a ban on the use of private mobile phones in primary schools, effective from the next school semester. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over the impact of long screen times on the well-being, learning performance, and social skills of children and young people.
Prien emphasized the importance of setting clear rules in primary schools, echoing the sentiments of Minister of Education Conrad Clemens. Clemens announced a similar ban in Saxon primary schools, highlighting the potential negative effects of excessive mobile phone usage on young minds.
On school days, 15-year-olds in Germany spend an average of nearly seven hours a day in front of screens, with two of those hours dedicated to leisure activities. This alarming statistic has prompted calls for stricter regulations regarding mobile phone use in educational institutions.
The mobile phone summit in Dresden, attended by various experts and education officials, including Prien, provided a platform for diverse perspectives on the issue. The autonomy of schools, especially for secondary schools, has been emphasized during the summit.
While a ban on private mobile phones in primary schools is imminent, no clear decision has been made yet regarding their use in secondary schools. However, Prien has suggested age-appropriate solutions for responsible use of private mobile phones in secondary schools.
Further consultations regarding the handling of private mobile phones in secondary schools will take place online on Monday, September 30, 2025, at 18:30, lasting about 60 minutes. The expert discussion in early 2026 will also address measures to strengthen media literacy.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the well-being and education of Germany's youth remain at the forefront of the discussions. The decisions made will undoubtedly shape the future of mobile phone usage in schools across the country.
