Development of smartphone use in schools: a regional view

Development of smartphone use in schools: a regional view

In today's schools, the smartphone is becoming increasingly the constant companion of the students. Dealing with these devices, especially during breaks, raises some questions. What actually happens in the halls of schools when the students pull out their cell phones? In Hollabrunn we heard about learning more about the rules in dealing with cell phones.

Margarete Brunner, a teacher at the HTL Hollabrunn, reports of a striking silence in the classrooms during the breaks: "The students no longer talk, everyone looks at the cell phone." An interesting phenomenon, because this silent preoccupation with smartphones shows how much the technology is integrated into the everyday life of young people. The same picture shows when the students are waiting for the bus - here, too, the cell phone dominates the interaction. Brunner further tells that the cell phones and smartwatches are collected during important exams to prevent possible distractions or fraud: "They have a second cell phone, everything has already experienced," she reports.

The "cell phone garage" as a solution

In order to counter smartphone consumption during class, some schools in the region introduced the idea of ​​a “cell phone garage”. Here, students can handle their cell phones safely before they go into class. This system aims to promote concentration during class and minimize distractions. The feedback from teachers and students about these regulations are mixed.

Some students welcome the opportunity to hand over their cell phone before the hour, which means that they can concentrate better on the lessons. Others, on the other hand, feel limited and want more freedom in dealing with their devices. The discussion about the correct way of dealing with cell phones in schools will certainly continue to be continued in the future in order to find a balance between digital freedom and the necessary concentration in class.

The introduction of such rules reflects a trend that is observed in many parts of the world: While countries are increasingly taking strict measures to ban smartphones in class, it remains a decision in Austria that every school can make individually. The NÖN also asked the situation at the Hollabrunner high schools to get a comprehensive picture of dealing with cell phones in this region.

students often have different opinions on the cell phone rules. For some, the cell phone is an indispensable tool for communication and information procurement, while others see the need to switch off fully during class. These ambivalent attitudes show how important it is to remain ready to dialogue and to take into account the perspectives of everyone involved. These aspects of mobile phone use show that it is necessary to find a consistent and considered path to ensure that students use the advantages of their smartphones as well as the challenges they can bring with them.

If you would like to learn more about these exciting developments, see the report on www.noen.at .