Niedersachsen and Hamburg Introduce Guidelines for Smartphone Use in Schools

Niedersachsen and Hamburg have jointly released comprehensive guidance for the use of smartphones and smartwatches in schools, rejecting a blanket ban in favor of structured recommendations. Developed in collaboration with experts in education, medicine, psychology, and media studies, the guidelines provide a framework for schools to establish legally compliant and pedagogically sound policies regarding digital devices.

The new guidelines were presented during an event focusing on media literacy, attended by education authorities from both states. According to the recommendations, an outright prohibition of mobile devices is not considered an effective solution. Instead, the emphasis is placed on equipping students with the skills to use digital and social media responsibly. The guidance offers age-specific recommendations, differentiating between primary and secondary education settings, and supplies practical resources such as templates for school regulations, project ideas, and participatory formats to support implementation.

In primary schools, the use of smartphones and smartwatches is strongly discouraged. The guidelines note that primary school students typically lack the self-regulation required for responsible device use, and that a device-free school environment at this stage is beneficial for child development. However, rather than enforcing a categorical ban, the framework encourages schools to provide support and orientation in digital matters, ensuring that students gain necessary competencies over time.

For secondary schools, the recommendations advocate for differentiated models, including device-free periods and designated zones, rather than outright restrictions. This approach aims to foster digital participation through trust and education. The guidelines suggest that schools could introduce specific areas for device use, similar to traditional designated spaces, to maintain a balanced approach between access and oversight.

The development of these guidelines involved broad consultation with medical professionals, educational researchers, parent and student organizations, and teaching associations. Medical experts highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive media use, such as developmental and concentration issues. The guidance reflects these concerns by promoting clear, age-appropriate policies tailored to the needs of different student groups.

Most schools in Hamburg reportedly already have regulations governing mobile device usage, with the objective that all schools will have binding rules in place by the following autumn. The implementation process is described as dynamic, with ongoing evaluation and adjustments as needed. The provided toolkit enables schools to adapt the recommendations to their specific contexts, ensuring legal and practical suitability.

The guidelines were developed with active involvement from students, parents, and school authorities. Stakeholders emphasized that sustainable policies require joint development and transparent communication within the school community. Parent organizations welcomed the recommendations, underscoring the importance of collaborative rule-making and regular review to address emerging challenges related to digital media.

Political responses to the initiative have been mixed. While governing parties support the flexible, supportive approach, some opposition voices have called for stronger legislative measures to grant schools more authority to impose bans. Despite these critiques, the current policy prioritizes empowering schools with the tools to create context-sensitive, legally robust, and educationally meaningful regulations for the use of mobile devices.