Mobile Phone Regulations in Schools: Survey Shows Widespread Support for Tightened Policies
A recent survey conducted by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) in Wiesbaden has revealed that a majority of adults in Germany support stricter rules against the private use of smartphones in schools. The survey, which involved 1,312 Germans aged 18 and over, was carried out in January and February 2025.
The results indicate that 72% of adults in Germany support stricter rules against private smartphone use in schools, with a staggering 95% support at primary schools. This support is particularly strong when it comes to primary schools, suggesting a concern for the impact of smartphone use on younger children.
The survey also sheds light on the minimum age at which children should be allowed to use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok independently. The average minimum age favored is 13.5 years. Interestingly, the average minimum age favored for children to own a smartphone is slightly lower, at 11.5 years.
However, the survey findings suggest that a strong consensus among adults supports allowing access to social media only from the age of 16. Many also favor age limits between 14 and 18 for social media use. These age limits reflect a concern for the potential risks associated with social media use for children and young people.
In Germany, the debate about how to regulate the use of private mobile phones in schools continues, with different approaches among the federal states. Recently, Hesse introduced a mobile phone ban with exceptions at the start of the new school year.
The survey results also reveal that respondents who were informed about the risks associated with digital media use for children and young people before the survey supported a higher minimum age for both owning mobile phones and using social media. On average, respondents who were informed about the risks supported a minimum age that is four months older than other respondents for using social media and owning mobile phones.
Interestingly, a general, comprehensive ban on mobile phones for students at all schools is supported by 53% of adults, and 80% at primary schools. This suggests a growing concern about the impact of smartphone use on learning and the need for stricter rules in schools.
The survey results highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating the use of smartphones and social media among children and young people in Germany. As the debate continues, it is clear that the majority of adults in Germany are in favor of stricter rules to protect children from the potential risks associated with these technologies.
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