Hardly any other educational topic attracted as much attention last year as teh so-called cell phone ban in schools.At the start of the school year, the state of Hesse severely restricted the private use of digital devices – i.e. smartphones, smartwatches and the like – in order to introduce age-appropriate “protection zones” against the risks of rampant cell phone use. Some federal states have followed suit.
In Hesse, binding rules on cell phone use have been included in the Hessian School Act. Basically they boil down to the fact that the cell phone must be switched off in the school bag and remain “invisible”. Students may use their devices for instructional purposes if the instructor permits.Many schools had previously adopted similarly strict cell phone rules in their school regulations.
With some distance, the city parents’ council in Frankfurt asked parents how they felt about the new rules. More than 50 families took part and some responded in detail. The result is a picture of the mood that not only contains a lot of pros and cons, but also points out many aspects that have so far been neglected in the debate.
Facilitation at primary schools
Many parents have hardly noticed any changes as a result of the legislative initiative, as private cell phone use was previously banned at their children’s schools. However, others report that something has definitely changed. The mother of a primary school child says that it is now easier for her child to bear not having their own cell phone.Previously, even elementary school children were allowed to bring their phones because there were no regulations at school.
Many parents think it’s good that there is now a uniform regulation,compliance with which is strictly monitored. “There has been more clarity for everyone involved,” says a father in the anonymous analysis of the survey, which is available to the FAZ. A mother reported that the children were now playing more in the schoolyard and talking to each other. “Now there is at least more chance that ch
Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools: Parent Perspectives
However, such concerns are rare. Praise for the legal restrictions on cell phone use predominates. From the point of view of most parents, it was not superfluous, because even schools that previously had internal school rules now had a binding basis and were supported in complying with them. There are fewer discussions and “negotiation processes”. Many schools were also overwhelmed by the need to regulate smartphone use: “The law is a clear relief for our school,” says a mother who has also dealt with the topic professionally and knows the relevant studies on it. “So I can’t understand why there is still no clear Germany-wide recommendation.”
Other parents note that the rules only address the “symptom” and not the cause. They demand that parents also be held more responsible. And unluckily they are not the best role models: “What use is a regulation during school time if it is socially sabotaged the rest of the time?” asks a father.
Some families are also personally grateful for the support in using the devices privately. A mother says: “Like me, all the parents in my environment notice that the really excessive consumption of social media, games and so on is not good for young people.” She reports that her children have a pronounced addictive behavior: “Eating, sleeping and so on are left out when it comes to digital devices. This leads to aggression and distancing towards us parents. For me the topic is extremely notable because it has almost ruined our family.” A father says: “The dangers of excessive cell phone use are not only scientifically proven. Parents of younger teenagers feel them every day.”
“Just as much cyberbullying can happen as before”
“The eternal discussion
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