Reader comment | August 17, 2024
The issue of banning smartphones in schools is currently being discussed controversially around the world. In some cantons and municipalities, bans have already been implemented, while others regulate use in school rules. A countermovement to digitalization is noticeable in countries such as Sweden, Ireland, France, Canada and Spain, where not only smartphones but also iPads and smartwatches have been banned from classrooms. The reason: students are too distracted.
Smartphones are distracting – not only in class, but also during breaks, which should be used for relaxation and exchange. Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and other channels are used and increase the risk of cyberbullying. Another argument for a ban is social inequality: not all students have access to the same modern devices, which can lead to envy and resentment. A ban from the time they arrive in the classroom until the end of the daily lesson could reduce this. In addition, excessive smartphone use is detrimental to health. Attention deficits, lack of sleep and eye problems are just some of the reasons.
The solution seems simple at first glance: complete bans during the entire time in the school building. But what about the parents? They are rebelling against this, as examples show. But they also have a responsibility to regulate the use of smartphones and other digital devices at home and to keep an eye on their children’s screen time.
Of course, there are schools that prefer more flexible solutions by allowing smartphones in certain areas or at certain times. These approaches are not wrong, as are programs on school laptops designed to teach students how to use this technology responsibly.
But the question remains how schools and parents can master the balancing act between protection from distraction and preparation for the digital future. The autonomy of schools and the diversity of regulations worldwide show that a uniform solution is hardly possible. Nevertheless, a blanket ban alone is not enough. As a society, we must ask ourselves how we can teach our children and adults how to use smartphones and so on in a healthy way.
