Mobile phone ban at elementary schools: Neos demands clear rules for children!

Mobile phone ban at elementary schools: Neos demands clear rules for children!

Klagenfurt, Österreich - In a future -oriented step, the NEOS in Lower Austria are targeting a mobile phone ban for elementary schools. The state party chairwoman Indra Collini emphasizes that pupils who own a mobile phone should submit it before class and only get back when they leave the school building. Collini argues that the increasing use of smartphones significantly affects children's attention and distracts them from class. Instead, breaks for social interactions should be used instead of dealing with cell phone games or social media, as they are in a report by Noen.at explained.

Carinthia's pioneering role

At the same time, a similar ban is already enforced by the state government in Carinthia. Education officer State Councilor Daniel Fellner published a decree at all elementary schools in the country on February 6, 2025 in order to formally introduce the mobile phone ban. Fellner emphasizes that mobile phones are classified as "school -based devices", which means that their use is heavily regulated during class and during breaks. However, exceptions for specific lessons can be made. This decree is to create important framework conditions to ensure a protected environment for the development of the children, as reported ktn.gv.at Sanction options in the house rules should also be determined to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Fellner emphasizes that this measure is a “first, very important accent in this brand new 'problem topic'”. The excessive use of cell phones, according to its warning, has been shown to have negative effects on the children. Further steps are planned in the coming months in order to create awareness of the problems in dealing with mobile phones on a scientific basis and to integrate all relevant decision -makers into the process.