Mobile phone ban in schools: Austria relies on concentration and communication!

Mobile phone ban in schools: Austria relies on concentration and communication!

From May 1, 2024, a comprehensive smartphone ban in schools up to the eighth school level applies in Austria. This was introduced by Education Minister Christoph Return (NEOS) in order to promote the ability to concentrate the students and to strengthen social skills. Mobile phones, smartwatches and similar devices may not be used during teaching and at school events, such as Krone.

The new regulation stipulates that school partners such as school, parent and teacher representatives have the opportunity to define specific exceptions. Teachers have the authority to allow cell phone use for teaching purposes, for example for research or basic digital education. Return emphasizes that this prohibition also represents a relief for school management and teachers.

exceptions and regulations

In the case of school events lasting several days, age -appropriate use of the devices is approved, especially for communication with parents. In addition, cell phones can be used for certain purposes such as digital dictionaries or workshops for internet security. Pupils are responsible for the safe storage of their devices; Cying is recommended as the safest place, but not stowing unattended stowing in school bags.

In the case of regulatory violations, teachers can lose the cell phones until the end of the school day. In the event of repeated violations, the return takes place only to the legal guardians. These measures are part of a greater goal to promote personal communication during the breaks and to improve the children's ability to concentrate, such as [school.at] (https://www.schule.at/bildungnews/detail/handybot-in-chulen-ab-1-mai-bundes-bundes-mit-mit-mit-mit-mit-

background and reactions

Overall, the new regulation is seen as a step in the right direction in order to establish more responsible behavior in dealing with digital media in schools, as ORF