Mobile phone ban in schools: Experts warn of media abuse!

Mobile phone ban in schools: Experts warn of media abuse!

On May 1, 2025, a new mobile phone ban comes into force in schools, which is created as a measure to restrict the growing media consumption among pupils. In view of the increasing concern about the negative effects of the screen time, the decision was made on the concentration and mental health of children and adolescents. Experts warn of the potential dangers that can bring excessive media use. This is how ots.at that doctors particularly refer to the reduced attention span and the mental health of the young generation.

In this context, the discussion about a possible general social media ban is also more intensely conducted for young people. In an upcoming “Zib Talk” on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10:35 p.m. in ORF 2 and on ORF on, experts from education, medicine and social media will discuss this topic. The participants include the education spokeswoman Martina Künsberg Sarre from the Neos, the youth spokesman Maximilian Weinzierl from the FPÖ as well as pediatrician Arnika Thiede and influencer Michael Skopek.

parents and experts express concerns

According to a DAK study and researchers from the University Clinic Hamburg Eppendorf, millions of children and adolescents in Germany have to deal with problems through their media consumption. Over a quarter of 10 to 17 years of age, social media use to a problem. About 5 % are even considered to be dependent. These are alarming numbers that have increased compared to previous years, since in 2019 the proportion of problematic use was over 11 %.

These results coincide with the fears of many parents who are concerned about the possible negative effects of computer games and social media on the development of their children. In addition, breakdown of the data shows that the average use of social media has increased in the age group and is currently a good 2.5 hours per week day, which is half an hour more than 2019.

media use from a neurobiological point of view

On the basis of the knowledge of neurobiologists and psychologists, it becomes clear that frequent media use can have negative consequences on creative activities and personal interactions. Martin Korte warns that social networks can promote loneliness, stress and mental illnesses. Nevertheless, research has also shown that the connection between media use and psychological well -being is complex and depends on many factors.

experts like Jonathan Haidt criticize the influence of smartphones on childhood, while other researchers, such as Markus Appel, demand differentiated analyzes. Studies also show that children's series use techniques to encourage children to look further. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need to invest more in digital education and improved mental health care. These topics were also addressed in the discussions about the mobile phone ban and possible further measures.

The recommendations for parents are diverse - from the determination of fixed screen times to the accompaniment of the children when entering social media. The media guideline of the DGKJ provides clear guidelines that state that under three years of age should not have a screen time, while children between the ages of 3 and 6 should spend a maximum of 30 minutes a day before the screen.