Cell phones in class: Havellan schools are relying on new rules!

Cell phones in class: Havellan schools are relying on new rules!

In Brandenburg, the topic of cell phone use in class is hotly debated. From the 2025/26 school year, primary school students in grades 1 to 6 will have to hand over their cell phones and smartwatches during class. This also applies to the primary schools in Havelland. The students at the Leonardo Da Vinci Campus in Nauen have already established a so-called “cell phone garage”. Here the children hand in their devices before class, turn them off and store them in a cupboard locked by teachers. However, this concept is not new, on the contrary, it has existed for years, regardless of the new regulations from the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education makes it clear that there is no general ban on cell phones. Rather, private digital devices must be switched off and stowed away during lessons. Teachers have the option to allow the use of these devices in special cases, such as for medical reasons. At the Käthe Kollwitz primary school in Nauen, students are allowed to leave their cell phones in their pockets. However, this regulation is met with skepticism because the controls are perceived as inadequate. Students often find loopholes to access social media during breaks.

The effectiveness of the regulations

The experience at Leonardo Da Vinci Primary School shows that there have been positive changes in student behavior since the introduction of these measures. Social educator Antonia S. emphasizes how important it is that parents also take responsibility for their children's media use. She calls for an age limit for social media and sees the ban on cell phones in primary schools as important in order to promote social interactions among children. This shows that a broad debate has broken out about how cell phones should be sensibly integrated into everyday school life or how they should be regulated.

However, scientific feedback on such regulations is mixed. A comprehensive analysis of 22 studies from twelve countries has shown that there are both positive effects and no significant connections between cell phone bans and learning success. In England in particular, a study found that schools with cell phone bans saw significant improvements in test scores for lower-performing students - an effect that gave lower-performing students about an additional lesson per week. However, these numbers come from a time when smartphones were not yet widely available in schools, which makes it difficult to compare the data.

A look beyond the borders

In a European comparison, things look different: In countries like France, Italy and Great Britain, cell phones are already banned in schools. A current study by the University of Augsburg shows that such bans can have positive effects on the social climate and learning performance. Teachers report that visibly used cell phones disrupt concentration and can have a negative impact on social interactions. A ban could therefore make schools safer, especially for younger students.

However, the researchers point out that a mere ban without educational support cannot have much effect. Students should learn to use technology responsibly. A combination of bans and educational measures to promote media literacy is recommended in order to further improve social interaction. The discussion about cell phone use in schools will therefore remain current and shows that a differentiated consideration of all aspects is necessary.