Smartphones at school: how much is too much?
For some, smartphones are a danger, others see them as an indispensable tool. One thing is clear: in order to regulate the use of digital devices in schools, jointly developed rules are needed instead of general bans.
Smartphones are omnipresent at secondary school level at the latest and pose major challenges for pupils, school administrators and teachers. The devices offer useful functions, but often lead to distractions in the classroom. They can also impair social interactions, as many children immerse themselves in their digital world during breaks.
Constant networking also increases the risk of cyberbullying. These challenges highlight the need to find a balance between the benefits of digital devices and the necessary restrictions in everyday school life.
The intensive use of smartphones is widespread among young people, leading to an increasing «smartphone addiction». According to the James Study, in which the Zurich University of Applied Sciences examines the media use and leisure behaviour of 12 to 19-year-olds every two years, over 90 percent of young people own a smartphone and often use it for hours every day.
Further studies indicate that excessive smartphone use can have a negative impact on mental health and trigger stress, sleep disorders and depression, for example. This dependency manifests itself in increased irritability and the neglect of other activities.
Schools must sensitise children and parents/guardians to respectful interaction in the digital space.
At the same time, cyberbullying has also increased due to constant networking. Young people use social networks and messenger services to insult or expose others. This leads to emotional stress for those affected, which can trigger anxiety and depression in the long term.
Schools must respond to these problems by developing preventative measures and sensitising both pupils and parents/guardians to respectful behaviour in the digital space. These challenges can only be met effectively through clear rules and close cooperation.
Different approaches
The use of smartphones in schools varies greatly in Switzerland and abroad. In Switzerland, schools decide individually how they regulate the use of digital devices. Some schools have introduced strict smartphone bans to prevent bullying and promote social interaction. Other schools allow use during breaks in order to find a balance between prohibition and sensible use.
There are different approaches internationally. In Australia, several states have implemented smartphone bans. New Zealand also introduced a nationwide ban in April 2024. China has banned mobile phones in schools since 2021, unless parents have given their written consent. France has had a general ban on private smartphone use in schools since 2018. The Netherlands and Sweden have similar bans.
A participative approach promotes acceptance of the rules and strengthens the pupils' sense of personal responsibility.
The Swiss Federation of Teachers (LCH) rejects a general ban on smartphones in schools and instead favours individually adapted regulations that meet the specific needs of each school. Educational measures are also needed to promote the responsible use of digital devices.
Instead of general bans, the LCH favours teachers, pupils and parents/guardians working together to develop clear and sensible rules. This participatory approach promotes acceptance of the rules and raises awareness of the responsible use of digital devices. This not only strengthens pupils' personal responsibility, but also creates a respectful and supportive school atmosphere.
The role of the legal guardian
It is also important to involve parents and guardians. Only through close cooperation between school and home can the responsible use of smartphones be promoted in the long term. Adults play a decisive role in how children use digital devices - both at school and at home. As role models, they should show children how to use smartphones responsibly.
It is also important that parents and guardians work closely with schools to develop clear and consistent rules for smartphone use. Parents' evenings provide a valuable platform for working together with teachers and other parents/guardians to develop solutions that are supported by all parties involved.
The use of smartphones and other digital devices in schools requires a careful balance between control and the promotion of digital skills. While smartphones can potentially lead to distractions, addictive behaviour and risks such as cyberbullying, they also offer important learning opportunities.
A general ban is not a sustainable solution; instead, schools, pupils and parents/guardians should work together to develop rules that promote the responsible use of digital media. Only through close cooperation and mutual support can the sensible use of smartphones in everyday school life be ensured and the potential risks minimised.
