Hessen introduces cell phone ban in schools - parents and teachers react!

Hessen introduces cell phone ban in schools - parents and teachers react!

From the school year 2025/2026, the state of Hesse wants to introduce a comprehensive ban on the private use of cell phones, smartwatches and tablets in schools. This regulation aims to make schools protected for children and adolescents and to reduce the influence of digital distractions. Representatives of the schools in the district have learned from this project in the media, which leads to different reactions. In particular, the implementation of the ban is a central topic of discussion.

Andreas Hilmes, headmaster of the Johannisberg School, explains that the use of smartphones is already restricted. Cell phones for borns 5 and 6 are generally banned on the garden road. In years 7 to 10, use is only permitted with the express approval of the teacher. Hilmes sees challenges in the enforcement of the new ban.

regulations at different schools

At the Freiherr vom Stein School in Hessisch Lichtenau, students have to leave their cell phones in their pockets when entering the school building. In the second secondary level, students can use cell phones for research purposes in class, but they have to stow the devices again after the task. A general ban on cell phones applies to the Valentin-Traudt School. In this facility, however, a responsible handling of smartphones is promoted, which means that cell phones end up in a "cell phone garage" and are returned at the end of the school day.

The new law stipulates that schools can determine exceptions for older students who need a different handling, for example, in the upper level. The chairman of the Association of Education and Education Hesse (VBE), Stefan Wesselmann, sees the ban on a legal basis for existing regulations in schools.

goals and scientific foundations

The draft law was brought in by the government factions CDU and SPD in the state parliament and is part of an initiative of the Hessian Minister of Education. Education Minister Schwarz emphasizes the importance of the regulation for all schools in Germany. Scientific studies by the WHO and OECD show the health risks associated with high media consumption in young people. Therefore, the new regulation should not only minimize distraction in class, but also improve the mental health of the students.

In summary, it can be said that the planned smartphone protection zones in Hessen [Kultus.hessen.de should create a clear framework for dealing with digital devices in everyday school life. The private use of mobile devices in the school building and on the school premises will generally be inadmissible. Only taking the devices with you are allowed. Exceptions are possible for secondary schools, while in primary schools there is usually no private use. The aim is to improve school culture through these measures and to focus on the lessons, such as [hna.de ]. The draft law is expected to come into force in the coming school year in order to optimally concentrate the students on learning.