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Söder Pushes Statutory Smartphone Ban in Bavarian Schools Through Grade Seven

The move would reverse 2022 rules that left phone policies to schools, likely requiring a Landtag law change to take effect.

Overview

  • CSU lawmakers adopted a clause for a “handyfreie” school up to grade seven, and Markus Söder says the plan is coordinated with Education Minister Anna Stolz.
  • Many Bavarian schools already prohibit private phone use during the school day, so the change would chiefly affect campuses that still allow use in breaks.
  • Reporting notes a formal amendment to state law is expected to be necessary before a blanket ban through seventh grade can be enforced.
  • New research underpins the push: 69% of 14–20-year-olds exceed the two‑hour daily screen guideline and 60% favor a classroom ban, yet most also call for more media education and direct support.
  • Abroad, Toyoake, Japan, has approved a non‑punitive ordinance capping personal device use at two hours per day and requiring phones off after 22:00, taking effect on October 1.