Push in schools

Styria examines ban on cell phones during lessons

In future, cell phones could only be allowed in the corridor, but not during lessons in Styria(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

An initiative from Styria when it comes to schools: State Councillor for Education Werner Amon (ÖVP) is examining whether it would be possible to ban smartphones during lessons.

Teachers can tell you a thing or two about it, as can parents: children - just like other age groups - are literally glued to their cell phones, especially when lessons are not taking place. How the issue of smartphones is handled is currently up to each school. Some allow their use, others integrate the devices into the learning process, while others turn a blind eye or force the children to turn them off.

This could soon change in Styria, as the responsible State Councillor for Education, Werner Amon (ÖVP), is considering a ban: "From a developmental psychology perspective, cell phones during lessons are questionable, as they disrupt lessons and distract pupils," argues the politician.

Younger pupils affected
"This is why we are currently examining the legal possibility of banning cell phones during lessons in primary and lower secondary schools in Styria," he continues. This would only affect younger pupils.

What exactly should happen to the phones in class is not yet entirely clear. "Of course, it must be possible to store cell phones in a suitable way during this time," says Amon.