Niedersachsen and Sachsen Oppose Blanket Smartphone Bans in Schools

As the debate over smartphone usage in schools intensifies, the approaches taken by different German states are becoming increasingly varied. While some states are revising their laws, others are seeking further discussions on the matter.

In recent sessions, the parliaments of Niedersachsen and Sachsen have addressed the issue of banning smartphones in schools. Niedersachsen's Minister of Education, Julia Willie Hamburg, and Sachsen's Minister of Education, Conrad Clemens, have both rejected the idea of blanket bans, instead favoring dialogue and well-considered recommendations.

Minister Hamburg argues that calls for outright bans are insufficient, suggesting that actionable recommendations could provide schools with the necessary legal clarity. She has expressed a desire to avoid unilateral actions by individual states, emphasizing that such measures are not effective. Hamburg is advocating for unified national guidelines to be implemented with urgency. Notably, the ruling coalition of the SPD and the Greens in Niedersachsen has proactively brought this topic to the parliamentary agenda, aiming to stay ahead of potential opposition and prevent the ongoing national debate from spiraling out of control.

In Sachsen, the BSW party, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, proposed a law to prohibit smartphones in elementary schools. However, the motion did not garner enough support in the parliament, with only the AfD party backing it. Minister Clemens, while not entirely dismissing the idea of a blanket ban, has called for a 'smartphone summit' scheduled for August 28, where lawmakers, educators, and experts can engage in open discussions on the topic.

Both states have noted that many schools have already established their own regulations governing smartphone use during lessons. However, the Education and Training Association (VBE) in Niedersachsen has criticized the lack of concrete guidelines, stating that schools often feel overwhelmed and unsupported in addressing this issue. The opposition in the parliaments has echoed these sentiments while also highlighting the importance of maintaining the autonomy of schools.

In contrast, states like Hessen and Bremen have moved towards clearer regulations, including outright bans. Bremen has swiftly implemented a ban that takes effect on June 1, prohibiting smartphones in elementary and secondary schools up to the 10th grade. This decision was announced in mid-May.

Meanwhile, Hessen is working on a similar ban that is expected to be enforced starting in the 2025/2026 school year. The legislative proposal has already passed its first parliamentary hurdle with the backing of the coalition government. If approved, the new regulations will prohibit the private use of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in all Hessen schools, although teachers may still allow the use of personal devices for educational purposes.

The OECD has recently called on policymakers to develop clear guidelines to assist educators, parents, and caregivers in helping children manage their interactions with digital technology. The report emphasizes the need for evidence-based regulations and comprehensive governmental actions in response to the pervasive use of digital media among children. Effective measures are necessary to protect young individuals in both digital and educational environments, ensuring that the responsibility for fostering healthy digital practices does not fall disproportionately on parents and children. According to the OECD report, educators and educational institutions play a crucial role in imparting digital skills and social responsibility to children, which necessitates appropriate training for teachers.