Hesse introduces a ban on cell phones in schools: revolution in the classroom!

Hesse introduces a ban on cell phones in schools: revolution in the classroom!

From August 2025, a comprehensive ban on private cell phone use in schools will come into force in Hesse. This ban affects all private smartphones, tablets and smartwatches and applies to all types of schools, although the ban is particularly strict in primary schools. Students are only allowed to use their cell phones in class in exceptional cases with the permission of the teachers. Exceptions can be made for older students from the 5th grade under certain circumstances. Schools are also allowed to determine in which times or rooms cell phones can be used, especially when it comes to accessibility or emergencies, such as this Hesse show reported.

The decision to regulate cell phone use in schools was made against the backdrop of worrying studies. Educational scientist Klaus Zierer advocates that smartphones should generally be banned in classrooms. He shares the view that the proximity of a smartphone significantly reduces students' attention and learning performance. A 2024 study showed that students without smartphones not only learn better, but also interact better socially with their classmates. According to Zierer, children and young people spend an average of 70 hours per week on the internet, with social media consumption being viewed as excessive. In the context of legislation, Saarland has decided on a similar ban for primary schools, while Rhineland-Palatinate continues to rely on dialogue instead of strict prohibition regulations Mainz&De reported.

Positive effects of cell phone bans

The consumer figures show a steep curve: Younger children – between the ages of 6 and 9 – use cell phones on average for less than 30 minutes a day, while young people aged 13 to 15 spend up to 154 minutes a day on them. For 16 to 18 year olds, daily usage is an impressive 201 minutes. These growing numbers tell not only about the integration of technology into everyday life, but also about the challenges it brings. An international Hatti education study from 2022 confirms that regular smartphone use can create educational gaps. The reasons for this are, among other things, sleep disorders and cyberbullying, so that the need for increased media education in schools is clearer than ever, explains Teacher Island.

A study by the London School of Economics found that student performance improved noticeably after the introduction of a cell phone ban, especially among socially disadvantaged groups. Grades improved by up to 6.4 percent, and low-performing students even saw an increase of around 14 percent. This shows how important it can be to avoid smartphones in school education in order to promote the learning environment and strengthen students not only academically but also socially.

While teachers' unions support a uniform ban to relieve pressure on schools, the Education and Science Union (GEW) shows understanding for the situation, but sees media education as more sensible than strict ban regulations. The question remains as to how the implementation of such regulations will affect everyday school life in practice and whether the legal innovations can actually achieve the hoped-for positive effects.