The southwestern German state of Saarland is moving forward with plans to ban mobile phones and smartwatches in elementary schools. Authorities are aiming to restrict the use of personal devices within the classroom to promote a more focused learning environment.
Saarland’s Minister of Education, Christine Streichert-Clivot, confirmed that personal mobile phones and smartwatches “will be prohibited in all elementary schools.” However, she clarified that exceptions might be made for “educational, medical reasons, or in emergencies.”
The authorities emphasized that this regulation goes beyond just a simple ban. According to Streichert-Clivot, “We are not only setting clear rules but also promoting the development of media literacy and critical thinking when working with digital technologies.”
The discussion of mobile phone bans is not isolated to Saarland, as other federal states like Hesse are also considering similar measures. This trend follows the broader European conversation around controlling phone use in schools.
