Hessen to Ban Private Smartphone Use in Schools Starting 2025

The move aims to create 'smartphone-free zones' for focused learning, while Baden-Württemberg and Sachsen pursue differing approaches.

Hessen will implement a ban on private smartphone use in schools beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, with exceptions for emergencies and medical needs.
Baden-Württemberg is drafting legislation requiring schools to establish their own smartphone usage rules tailored to local needs.
Sachsen opposes outright bans, emphasizing media literacy education and collaborative rule-making within school communities.
The national Bildungsministerkonferenz discussed smartphone policies informally but has not reached a consensus on a unified approach.
International examples, such as France and Italy, which enforce strict bans, are influencing the ongoing debate in Germany.