Cell phones in schools: Next state minister doesn't think much of the ban debate

The new Rhineland-Palatinate Minister of Education, Sven Teuber (SPD), rejects debates on bans, such as those that have recently arisen in relation to smartphones in schools and the use of social media by adolescents. Teuber was sworn in as the new Minister of Education in Rhineland-Palatinate on May 14, after his predecessor Stefanie Hubig (SPD) took over as Federal Minister of Justice in the new federal government on May 6.

Teuber told dpa that he wanted to be a driving force behind the teaching of digital skills in schools: "We need to prepare schools for life." Future generations must be able to deal with digitalization. Accordingly, he does not think much of the current ban debates. "Excluding digital life and knowledge from school is not an everyday reality or preparation for life." He is more in favor of cell phone use being negotiated appropriately with schools.

He was somewhat more critical of the use of artificial intelligence in schools. He is personally not a big fan, but he "recognizes the opportunities of critical and considered use", according to dpa.

Lower Saxony's Minister of Education Julia Willie Hamburg (Greens) and Saxony's Minister of Education Conrad Clemens (CDU) have also recently spoken out against blanket bans. Both want to discuss the issue more broadly – both at federal level and in a locally organized cell phone summit of various stakeholders in the education sector. Hesse and Bremen, on the other hand, have already spoken out in favor of clearer rules and bans.

Research work and frameworks

How AI skills can be taught responsibly in schools is currently being addressed at EU level with the development of a framework. A draft has now been published for the consultation process. The final version is expected in 2026. In its latest report on children's lives in the digital age, the OECD pointed out that there are currently still too few studies to make evidence-based statements about specific digital offerings. It therefore calls for more robust research. However, she also emphasized that teachers, schools and education systems play a crucial role in teaching children digital skills and social responsibility.

(kbe)