Smartphones in Schools: Bremen Enforces a Digital-Free Zone
Bans cell phones usage in schools within Bremen city.
Say goodbye to your smartphones in schools! Starting June 1, Bremen is implementing a mobile phone ban in elementary and secondary schools. This decision comes after extensive discussions with school principals, healthcare professionals, and education experts.
Bremen's Senator for Children and Education, Sascha Karolin Aulepp, states: "Cellphones are not essential for school life; instead, they distract students from learning and discourage interaction during breaks and most importantly, physical activity."
While schools in higher grades may set their own phone usage policies, the ban applies to all lower grade schools. Exceptions will be made for students who require mobile phones for medical reasons. Access to mobile phones had previously been permitted under varying rules in Bremen schools.
Scientific research reveals several negative impacts of smartphone use on children's academic performance, social skills, and health during school hours:
Learning Abilities
- Excessive smartphone usage may cause lower test scores in math, reading, and science due to difficulty concentrating and focusing in class [4].-More screen time correlates with reduced time spent on reading and physical activities, leading to poor grades [3].-Screen time encourages addictive habits, pulling students away from learning tasks and impairing their ability to tackle complex cognitive work [3].
Social Development
- Increased screen time often results in less family and friend interaction, potentially impairing social skills [3].-Dependency on smartphones and social media can exacerbate anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and promote addictive behaviors [2].-Constant phone use disrupts natural social bonding and face-to-face communication crucial for social growth [2][3].
Health Effects
- Prolonged smartphone use may trigger physical symptoms such as eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches [4].-Excessive screen time contributes to sleep difficulties, mood problems, weight issues, and self-image concerns [3][1].-The increase in smartphone use is correlated with poorer overall quality of life and mental health in children and adolescents [1].
Overall, the scientific evidence suggests that smartphone use during school hours can negatively affect children's academic performance, social development, and health. Implementing boundaries on smartphone use in schools can help mitigate these negative impacts.
Community policy in Bremen will now include a digital-free zone in schools, banning smartphone use due to their detrimental effects on learning, social development, and health, as supported by health-and-wellness and science research. Implementing an employment policy regarding smartphone usage in schools aims to improve students' academic performance, social skills, and physical health by reducing screen time and encouraging interaction and physical activity.
