Alexandra takes a more relaxed view, saying: “My son has had an iPad since the second grade. It is 2024 and everything is different than it used to be. It is up to the parents when and how often the children are allowed to use it. “I don’t see any problem with that. The iPad is with me unless my son has homework.”
Parents are challenged
Alexandra is one of the few who seems to be coping well with the situation. Valeria is ambivalent. On the one hand, she thinks it’s good that the school provides children with devices because they prepare them for the future. But she criticizes the fact that some children often spend the whole day in front of screens at home: “It’s up to the parents to ensure that children don’t have unlimited access at home and learn to use social media in a healthy way.”
Parents and guardians are required to take action when children bring laptops home from primary school. One point that also worries parents is the fact that all free apps such as Instagram, TikTok and messenger services can currently be downloaded. ED spokeswoman Eichenberger says: “However, the use of the store is being reviewed based on suggestions from parents and teachers; the devices will be redesigned from 2025.”
WhatsApp not recommended
Have there been any complaints yet? “There have been isolated inquiries from parents about the store,” says Eichenberger. The Department of Education, via school management, is in regular contact with the parent councils and meets with the school council presidents at least twice a year. She says: “The introduction and use of personal devices is discussed continuously with everyone involved.”
It also refers to a counselor about messenger services in a school context, which is also aimed at parents. In principle, the chats in which the students communicate within the messenger are only checked by the IT service provider “if there is reasonable suspicion,” says Eichenberger. WhatsApp is not recommended for school purposes.
