Essen's first comprehensive school imposes a strict prohibition on mobile devices.
High Schools in Essen: Phone Policies a Work in Progress
Mobile phone rules are changing in many German schools, but it's mostly the primary and lower secondary schools that are feeling the heat right now. Here's the lowdown on what's happening.
Bye-Bye Phones in Bremen's Primary and Middle Schools
Starting June 2025, Bremen has introduced a strict no-phone policy for its primary and middle schools. The idea is to foster better learning, improved social skills, and a healthier lifestyle among students by limiting distractions and encouraging activities during breaks [1].
However, high schools and comprehensive schools in Bremen are not covered by this new rule. Instead, they retain the freedom to set their own mobile phone policies [1].
Wider Ban? Probably Not Yet
Germany's Education Minister Karin Prien has voiced her support for a nationwide ban on phone use in primary schools. This call aligns with broader discussions across Europe about children's digital exposure [3].
That said, a nationwide ban affecting high schools and comprehensive schools hasn't been implemented yet. Individual schools are free to make their own rules regarding mobile phone usage [1][3].
What About Other Countries?
The trend towards smartphone bans in schools isn't exclusive to Germany. Many EU countries, such as France, the Netherlands, Italy, and certain Spanish regions, have already introduced broader bans [2]. Research from countries like Norway shows significant benefits of such bans, including reduced bullying and improved mental health [5].
High Schools: A Mixed Bag
As of now, there's no national or regional mandate for mobile phone bans in high schools or comprehensive schools in Germany. Individual schools are free to set their own policies, but these aren't dictated by recent legislation [1][3].
In Essence
In Germany, mobile phone policies mainly target primary and middle schools in some regions, such as Bremen. High schools and comprehensive schools still have the autonomy to regulate phone use as they see fit. The trend follows broader movements in Europe towards restricting smartphone access in lower grades to support students' well-being and academic performance [1][2][3].
Education and self-development can greatly benefit from limiting mobile phone use in high schools and comprehensive schools, as it encourages learning and improves focus. However, unlike primary and middle schools in some regions like Bremen, high schools in Germany do not have a nationwide ban on mobile phones, leaving the regulation of phone usage up to individual schools [1][3].
