
Authorities in Austria’s southernmost state, Carinthia, are planning to ban mobile phones in primary schools to improve the learning environment and help pupils focus.
The proposed ban wouldn’t apply to older pupils aged 10 to 14. Instead, a policy of “regulated use” is being considered, according to Carinthia’s education minister, Daniel Fellner, from the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ).
In a press release, Fellner said a joint recommendation for the region is being drawn up, which could eventually form the basis for nationwide regulations.
Phones and Attention Issues
The situation is more complicated in middle and lower secondary schools, where “pedagogical, social and technological aspects” also need to be taken into account. However, there are growing concerns about how increased mobile phone use is affecting children’s attention spans.
Teachers and parents have been calling for action. “With a mobile phone ban in primary school lessons, we aim to better protect the social, creative and cognitive development of our children,” Fellner said.
Political Reactions
The regional leader of the People’s Party (ÖVP), Martin Gruber, has voiced his support for the ban, arguing that children need protection from the downsides of digital technology. “Phones have no place in classrooms,” he said, pointing out that experts have long warned about the harm caused by excessive phone use. “Many children and their parents are already feeling the consequences.”
Gruber stressed the importance of digital education to teach young people how to use technology wisely but warned that games, videos and chats are too distracting. “The ban must apply to all compulsory schools,” he said.
Not everyone agrees with the plan, however. Team Carinthia leader Gerhard Köfer argued that decisions on phone use in schools should be left to individual institutions. “We oppose blanket bans,” he said.