The new Minister of Education, Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), has announced a mobile phone ban in schools for the first eight grade levels. However, the school community committee can autonomously establish exceptions. The minister made this announcement in a press conference on Monday afternoon. Whether similar rules will be applied to higher grade levels is still uncertain.
Before the announcement, Wiederkehr consulted with experts and sees a consensus that the negative impacts of mobile devices in schools are “massive.” He claims these effects are even greater than those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the goal is to find a way to promote digital learning while eliminating digital distractions.
Schools are to be declared mobile-free zones, according to the minister. This applies to both lessons and breaks. Schools can decide where to store mobile phones, smartwatches, and similar devices. The regulation will clarify that sanctions, such as class book entries or parent summons, can be imposed for violations.
Wiederkehr believes that the regulation is not just a formality, as schools can already set such rules independently. He argues that declaring schools as mobile-free zones strengthens the position of school principals.
Currently, around 80% of schools already have rules that are similar to a mobile phone ban. However, this regulation will significantly empower the schools, according to Karin Spahn, a representative of school leaders. Problems with mobile phones are mainly reported in middle schools.
Medical expert Hans Peter Hutter supported Wiederkehr’s move, stating that from a medical perspective, the measure has only benefits. Excessive mobile phone use leads to increased irritability, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Additionally, it worsens the already existing lack of physical activity.
FPÖ education spokesperson Hermann Brückl, however, criticized the measure as merely tackling the symptoms. He argued that the government should address the deeper causes of declining educational success, such as the severe teacher shortage and problematic immigration into the school system.
Green education spokesperson Sigrid Maurer also reacted critically to the announcement. She stated that most schools already had mobile phone rules in their house regulations, and this was working well. “Now, school leaders are no longer responsible for the bans, but for the exceptions – it smells a bit like show politics,” Maurer stated in a press release.
