Bitkom survey: At least there's more Wi-Fi in broken school buildings
Pupils see many advantages in using digital services in schools. However, the love of smartphones is likely to continue to cause conflict.
(Image: Stokkete/ Shutterstock.com, bearbeitet mit Creative Flow von heise online)
Analog school equipment has deteriorated further, while digital equipment has improved. Nevertheless, the digital learning media, media education and IT lessons offered in schools still differ greatly from what German pupils want for their everyday school life. What's more, the currently highly controversial smartphone is their most popular learning device. When presenting these survey results, the industry association Bitkom once again positioned itself against strict smartphone bans in schools.
It's raining in, but now there's more Wi-Fi
When asked about the current situation in their schools and how they would like to learn, the surveyed students between the ages of 14 and 19 stated that the major "analog" problems continue to be the lack of teaching staff, the loss of lessons, violence and bullying. However, the figures on teacher shortages and teaching absenteeism have deteriorated even further compared to a survey conducted in 2023. There was an increase from 59% to 65% with regard to teacher shortages and from 49% to 59% with regard to teaching absences. The figure for "broken school buildings" has doubled. In 2023, 20 percent of respondents said that their school building was "broken"; now 40 percent say the same. Teaching content is also increasingly perceived as outdated. While 26% were of this opinion in 2023, the figure is now 35%.
Digital equipment, on the other hand, has improved noticeably compared to 2023. While 87% of pupils complained about poor or non-existent WiFi in school buildings in 2023, "only" 59% said this in 2025. Technical equipment is rated as poor by 49% – and no longer by 56%. A lack of digital devices and educational media was criticized by 36%, compared to 48% in 2023. Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst was not overjoyed by these figures, however. Although the situation has improved, it is still alarming.
The Bitkom survey makes it very clear that today's schoolchildren want to learn more and more with digital media. 88% would like digital learning media to be used more. 75% stated that they are more motivated by the use of digital learning media in lessons and 64% that it makes learning easier for them. Only 22% stated that it distracted them when they were used in lessons.
Great interest, but limited offerings
When asked about pupils' interests and what is actually offered in lessons, it became clear that there is a wide gap between what pupils want and what is actually offered. Almost all pupils (94%) would like to learn about "correct behavior in chats and on social media, e.g. dealing with hate speech" in the school context, while only 68% would like to learn about this. 90 percent want to know more about data protection on the internet and protecting privacy, but only 61 percent receive the desired training. Teaching graphic design, checking sources, dealing with fake news, producing videos and using AI tools are also above the 80 percent mark.
(Image:Â Bitkom)
Supply and demand are very close when it comes to "using the internet for research" (94 vs. 89 percent) or "technical basics and practical skills, e.g. repairs" (61 vs. 55 percent). In the case of programming languages, the offer even slightly exceeds the wishes – 43 percent want to learn programming languages, 46 percent are offered these.
What the farmer doesn't know...
The survey also shows that the implementation of compulsory computer science lessons can significantly change pupils' opinions. In the survey, only those pupils who had not yet experienced computer science lessons thought it was a "bad idea" (29%) or responded with "I don't care" (30%). 87% of those who have already had computer science lessons also think it is "a good idea".
Pupils still rate the ability of teachers to use digital devices and media in lessons very differently. In their opinion, 15 percent have very good skills, 19 percent good, 39 percent satisfactory, 12 percent adequate, 9 percent poor and 5 percent inadequate. Here too, Bitkom sees potential for improvement through further training.
