Is it reflected and how the ban on cell phones in schools on student achievement and social well-being? Researchers from the Department of School Pedagogy at the University of Augsburg studied this question, and the results of their work were published in the journal Education Sciences.
Very clear conclusion
The study authors compared five large studies from Norway, Spain, the Czech Republic, England and Sweden. They all come to the unanimous conclusion that banning mobile phones has a measurable positive impact on the social well-being of students, ARD writes on the subject.
Since the social climate is crucial for successful learning and teaching, it can be assumed that the positive effects are enhanced in the long term. The ban also has an impact on students' learning outcomes, the publication states.
This is also shown by the experience of many teachers. A smartphone placed directly on the desk limits concentration and therefore the learning process. In addition, mobile phones generally worsen the social climate in schools - for example through cyberbullying. Therefore, the ban should also contribute to making schools a safer place - especially for younger students, the Augsburg scientists emphasize.
A ban alone is not enough
Researchers emphasize that a pure ban on mobile phones, if not accompanied by active pedagogical work with children, cannot achieve much. It is important that young people learn to use technology responsibly.
Since smartphones offer great potential in terms of communication and information acquisition, teachers should definitely use them as an element of learning. This is important to develop media literacy among young people.
When students get older, the use of cell phones should be their own responsibility. According to the researchers, a strict ban makes sense only in the lower classes.
More and more countries are introducing the ban
In some countries, such as France and Italy, mobile phones have long been banned in schools, and from 2024 – also in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Calls to ban mobile phones in schools are growing in Germany, especially amid poor student performance in the 2022 PISA survey.
Federal provinces are responsible for school matters and can establish principles and prohibitions at their discretion. In addition, individual schools may set individual rules in their internal regulations. For example, in some private schools in Germany, students hand in their mobile phones before classes start. However, it is important that the ban does not violate the fundamental rights of students, their free personal development or the right to personal property.
Author: Anya Brown (ARD)