Cell phone ban in schools

Tyrolean association takes parents to task

Cell phones during lessons, but also during breaks, should be a thing of the past.

(Bild: MAX SLOVENCIK)

The new ban on cell phones in schools has prompted the Tyrolean Parents' Association (LEVT) to take action. The association takes a critical view of Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr's approach and refers to basic digital education. 

The fact that cell phones will no longer be allowed in classrooms up to the eighth grade - as reported in detail in the "Krone" newspaper - is causing lively debate. The LEVT also received numerous emails and calls with questions and complaints following the announcement by Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (Neos).

Focus on social media in particular
The association does not see cell phones in schools as a problem, "but social media and the hostage situation our children find themselves in". That is why they would like to see a "social media ban" in schools instead of a ban on cell phones. Pupils and parents should be informed about the background mechanisms of these apps, which are primarily of an economic nature.

Doctors have confirmed to us that short-sightedness, a sharp increase in obesity in children with accompanying illnesses and a high potential for addiction are becoming detectable.

Landeselternverband Tirol (LEVT)

Parents' duty, health also remains an issue
"The basic evil doesn't just start in elementary school, but even before that, when parents repeatedly hand their toddlers a cell phone in the baby carriage to keep them entertained," is the association's criticism. In addition, the high number of hours that children spend in front of their cell phones every day would also have negative health consequences. "Doctors have confirmed to us that short-sightedness, a sharp increase in obesity in children with accompanying illnesses and a high potential for addiction are becoming detectable."

Personal responsibility and liability in schools
 According to the LEVT, schools should be responsible for their own use of cell phones. Many schools have already had "independent measures in place for years, depending on what makes sense and what is needed" during lessons or breaks. The question of liability also arises when teachers take cell phones away from pupils. More important than a ban on cell phones are measures to improve education, such as German support classes or summer schools.