Denmark Considers Comprehensive Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools

The Danish government is proposing a legislative ban on mobile phones and personal tablets in all primary and secondary schools, including after-school programs. This restriction is aimed at curbing the influence of these devices not only during class but also during breaks, as stated by the Minister for Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye.

School leaders have expressed skepticism towards this initiative. The Danish School Leaders Association (Skolelederforeningen) believes that most schools already implement their own policies regarding mobile device use. The association's chair, Dorte Andreas, argues that there is a significant difference between schools establishing their own rules and having a blanket law imposed by the government.

This policy reversal is backed by recommendations from a commission established to address children's well-being, known as the Trivselskommission. Founded in 2023, the commission aims to investigate the rising dissatisfaction among children and adolescents. The mobile phone ban is one of 35 recommendations put forth by the commission, which also includes suggestions regarding age restrictions and the addictive designs of websites. One notable recommendation is that children under the age of 13 should not have access to smartphones or personal tablets, likening the ban on phones in schools to existing smoking prohibitions.

Denmark's approach aligns with a growing trend observed in various countries worldwide, where governments are increasingly concerned about the potential dangers associated with smartphones and internet usage among minors. For instance, Australia is contemplating a social media ban for children under 16, while France has enforced a school-wide ban on mobile phones since 2018. Norway has set a minimum age of 15 for social media access. Research indicates that Danish children aged 9 to 14 spend an average of three hours daily on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with 94% of them having created a social media profile before turning 13.

The focus of the well-being commission extends beyond the negative impacts of technology. It emphasizes the importance of traditional childhood experiences, including outdoor activities, social interactions, and time spent with family, which are often neglected due to excessive screen time. The commission urges Denmark to advocate for EU-wide regulations to further protect children in the digital landscape.