Overview

• Research indicates that smartphone bans in schools can reduce bullying, improve mental well-being, and enhance academic performance, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Countries like France, Sweden, and Spain have implemented or are considering bans, while Germany debates a nationwide policy amid mixed opinions from educators and policymakers.
• Thüringen's outgoing Education Minister Helmut Holter criticized a proposed ban for being 'outdated,' advocating instead for balanced digital and analog learning approaches.
• Implementation challenges persist, with some schools struggling to enforce bans effectively, while others report success using structured measures like 'smartphone garages.'
• Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive digital literacy education alongside restrictions, ensuring students are prepared for a technology-driven world.