Thuringia Reinforces Smartphone Regulations in Primary Schools

The Thuringian Ministry of Education has issued a directive to primary schools, urging them to establish clear guidelines regarding the use of digital devices. This communication serves as a reminder of existing regulations outlined in the state's school law.

Schools across Thuringia, including primary, community, and special education institutions, received a letter detailing the state's uniform requirements for the private use of digital devices. The directive emphasizes the need for these rules to be incorporated into school regulations, with input from school conferences. Although secondary schools did not receive a similar letter, they are also encouraged to review and discuss their existing policies on personal device usage during parent meetings and within their committees.

Education Minister Christian Tischner noted the importance of the primary school environment in child development. He stated that limiting personal smartphone usage during school hours is essential for maintaining focus in lessons, fostering social interactions, and protecting students from digital overload. During breaks, children are encouraged to engage in play, rest, or social interactions rather than being glued to screens. Establishing a clear, age-appropriate framework for media usage is both educationally beneficial and necessary.

The communication reiterates that the use of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches is generally prohibited during classes, breaks, and after-school programs. This prohibition is already stipulated in §30 Abs. 3a of the Thuringian school law, which states that anything not expressly permitted by the school or teachers is not allowed. However, the law also clarifies that schools are not to be completely free of digital technology, as students must utilize digital learning tools when incorporated into lessons.

It is crucial that the implementation of these regulations is supported by media education initiatives. Tischner mentioned that the use of digital devices should be allowed if it is pedagogically guided, medically necessary, or justified by an emergency. The current framework allows schools to maintain their own tailored regulations that have been previously developed.

Possible ways to implement these policies include the use of phone lockers or enabling flight mode on devices. The ministry aims for a thoughtfully structured school environment where media use is clearly regulated and educationally guided. This letter aims to raise awareness among schools regarding the implementation of existing legal frameworks, and the ministry also announced plans to monitor compliance in schools.