Overview

• From next school year, pupils in grades one through six at Brandenburg’s primary and special needs schools must switch off private digital devices and store them in bags or lockers during lessons.
• Teachers retain discretion to permit device use when required for instruction or for medical reasons such as accessing a diabetes app.
• Education Minister Steffen Freiberg said the rule will give school leaders and staff clear legal authority in managing student device use.
• The ban fulfills a commitment in the SPD-BSW coalition agreement and parallels similar restrictions being introduced in other German states.
• Officials intend for the measure to foster a conscious and critical approach to digital media among young students.