Puschkinoberschule Neuruppin: Students without cell phones, new freedom unfolded!

Puschkinoberschule Neuruppin: Students without cell phones, new freedom unfolded!

An exciting project has begun at the Neuruppin Puschkinoberschule that is turning the school world on its head. Since September, around 150 seventh and eighth grade students have been putting their cell phones in special boxes before classes start. This initiative aims to create screen-free time at school and allows young people to experience the school environment more intensively and without digital distractions. Loud maz-online.de This idea was brought to life by teachers Eileen Janiszewski and Markus Pohl.

The background of the project

The two teachers have worked intensively on the effects of smartphones on sensory overload, stress, sleep quality and learning performance. In November 2024, they had the opportunity to visit two schools that had already pursued similar projects. Here they received valuable tips on how to organize the introduction step by step and with a few exceptions. This careful planning shows that the teachers have a good handle on how the project is developing so far.

Some parents are grateful for the new framework conditions. “The children have much more contact during breaks,” they report happily. The students also report a decrease in cyberbullying at school. So far there have only been three violations of the rules that have been punished. If this happens again, the parents would have to pick up the cell phone, which gives the project additional authority.

Technical requirements and support

The special boxes in which the cell phones are stored were donated by the Rotary Club of Neuruppin and cost around 300 euros each. Technically, they function like a Faraday cage that shields electrical fields and electromagnetic waves and therefore offers safe storage. The project is now also anchored in the school's house rules and will be continued in the coming years.

A general ban on cell phones will be introduced at primary and special schools in Brandenburg from the 2025/26 school year in order to further promote concentration and social interaction.

Conclusion: A step in the right direction

The path towards a cell phone-free school period shows how important it is to critically question the influence of digital media in educational institutions. With this successful pilot, students can learn to value face-to-face contact and be creative without constant digital distractions. In times when being online is often taken for granted, this initiative in Neuruppin could become a model for other schools.

In a world increasingly influenced by digital impressions, looking back to what matters could mean a positive change for many students. Who knows, maybe this project will inspire other educational institutions to take similar steps.