Work assignment: Schools in Baden-Württemberg should solve the smartphone issue

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The state government in Baden-Württemberg wants to enshrine rules for the use of private mobile devices in the school law. The amendments to the Education Act are intended in particular to provide legal certainty, as the issue also involves property rights. A uniform solution for all schools in the state is not being sought as, in addition to legal certainty, they should “also be provided the opportunity to react flexibly to the respective age structure, the educational concept and specific challenges”. However, State Secretary for Education Sandra Boser recommends a restrictive approach right from the start.

Committed to group work

Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) explained: “Schools must set rules for the responsible and age-appropriate private use of cell phones at school. So far, some have refrained from doing so due to the uncertain legal basis.” The amendment to the Schools Act is intended to initiate local processes in order to “develop tailor-made solutions that are supported by the consensus of all those involved”.

For the development of rules within a school community, the Ministry of Education wants to provide recommendations for the involvement of pupils and their parents. In addition, sample regulations and other materials on media education will facilitate the negotiation processes. Implementation is to be made mandatory in the Education Act through the new Section 23 (2b). This stipulates that “in the future, each school should regulate in its school regulations how, when and whether mobile devices may be used on school premises.”

Decides for itself – but strictly

Although the communication from the Ministry of Education emphasizes several times that school communities should have the freedom to find individual, site-specific regulations, State Secretary for Education Boser promotes strict regulations: “Mobile phones and tablets have become an integral part of teaching. We must, of course, teach our pupils how to use information technology sensibly and address media education issues in the classroom, also with a view to preserving our democratic constitutional state. But the private use of cell phones and other devices must be curbed with all our might at school and in after-school care. Constantly looking at your cell phone during breaks or in class disturbs concentration and leads to isolation.”

With this decision, the Ministry of Education explains, Baden-Württemberg is adopting “an educational policy course that is increasingly being demanded by academia and parents.” This includes a greater focus on personal development, the development of digital skills with defined goals and a conscious use of technology – not only in the classroom, but in everyday school life as a whole. Kretschmann explained: “Schools must provide children and young people with the necessary skills to enable them to navigate an increasingly digital world in a responsible and self-determined manner. After school, the school rules are no longer of any help. Schools must prepare for this.”

Diversity of approaches in federalism

Most recently, the new Minister of Culture of Rhineland-Palatinate spoke out in favor of individual agreements in schools instead of debates on bans. The state governments of Lower Saxony and Saxony are currently focusing on further debates on the topic, both at federal and state level. In Bremen and Hesse, the decision has already been made to establish and implement strict regulations on the use of private mobile devices in schools throughout the state.

(kbe)