"Ditching Phones for Better Education, Socialization, and Health in Bremen Schools"
Schools in Bremen prohibit the use of mobile phones
In the ongoing discussion about the role of mobile phones in the classroom, Bremen takes a decisive step forward. The city's schools are set to become mobile phone-free zones starting June 1st. The education authority's decision stems from scientific data highlighting the detrimental effects of smartphone use during school hours on pupils' cognitive abilities, social interactions, and overall health.
Bremen schools will prohibit mobile phones for elementary and secondary students. Only upper-level schools will be allowed to decide on permit conditions for phones.
Following comprehensive conversations with headmasters, pediatricians, and educators, the education authority finalized this policy. The implementation of the ban is supported by evidence showing how smartphone usage during school hours negatively impacts learning, social growth, and health.
Sascha Karolin Aulepp, Senator for Children and Education in Bremen, stated, "Private smartphones serve no purpose in school life; on the contrary, they deter from learning and keep students from interacting in breaks, and more critically, from moving around." School staff will enforce the new rules. exceptions will only be made for medical reasons.
Until now, various regulations surrounding smartphone utilization have applied to Bremen schools. The city of Bremen's new decree, effective from June 1st, requires pupils to shut off and keep their mobile phones in their pockets throughout the day.
Related Study: "Children's Mobile Phone Consumption – Unbalancing the Digital and Real World"Research indicates that smartphones can significantly obstruct pupils' learning due to distractions. Nearly 65% of 15-year-olds admit to being distracted by digital devices, including phones, during some math classes according to the OECD [2]. This distraction can compromise educational success.
While the full consequences of phone bans on academic performance vary, some studies show mixed results. For instance, researchers at King’s College London found that the implementation of phone bans may not necessarily elevate grades across PISA test scores when controlling for other factors [2]. Other research points out that limiting smartphone use in schools could improve students' confidence in real-life conversations, foster friendships, and combat cyberbullying and other forms of abuse [3].
The choice to ban mobile phones in schools aims to create a more productive learning environment, encourage socialization, and promote overall physical and mental well-being. Students may also benefit from better sleep habits by avoiding excessive screen time before bedtime, thus improving focus during the day [3].
Sources: ntv.de, raf/dpa
- Bremen
- Mobile Phones
- Education
- Social Development
- Health
- Children
- The education policy in Bremen, inspired by scientific evidence, focuses on making schools mobile phone-free zones to enhance cognitive abilities, social interactions, and overall health of students.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the city of Bremen has introduced a health-and-wellness oriented policy, prohibiting the use of mobile phones for elementary and secondary students, while allowing exceptions for medical reasons.
- Amidst general-news discussions about the role of mobile phones in classrooms, the community policy implemented by Bremen schools aims to provide a conducive environment for learning, social development, and overall well-being of students, limiting potential distractions from digital devices.
