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Karin Prien (CDU): Parental discipline is crucial
Photo: Britta Pedersen/dpa
The Netherlands, Great Britain and New Zealand have already planned to ban cell phones in class. In Germany, however, schooling is a state matter, so uniform regulations are difficult. Bavaria had introduced a ban on smartphones in the schoolyard, but relaxed it again in 2022; schools there can decide for themselves whether cell phones have to be switched off or can be used.
The deputy CDU chairwoman and Schleswig-Holstein's Minister of Education Karin Prien has now spoken out in favor of a ban on the use of cell phones in schools. Prien said to “Bild”: “Our decree regulating private cell phone use in secondary schools was the right step and has proven itself. We are now also taking this approach at primary schools. There is a clear message that all primary schools should have binding rules for private cell phone use in class. Private cell phone use in class is prohibited. We will query these regulations at the end of May.
In August last year, Schleswig-Holstein's schools were warned to set rules for cell phone use. Both secondary and primary schools have been advised to only allow students to use their cell phones with permission from teachers. However, there is no general ban on bringing cell phones to school because this would be illegal. However, there is scope for a ban on use.
Prien also holds legal guardians responsible in the debate. “The discipline of parents when using their own cell phones in the presence of their children and when introducing restrictive, age-appropriate smartphone use to children of daycare and primary school age is crucial for good development and better educational opportunities,” said Prien to “Bild «. Many primary schools set a good example and supported parents in following a consistent line.
czl