The discussion isn't all that new: calls for a general ban on cell phones in schools were already loud in Baden-Württemberg six years ago. The then Minister of Education, Susanne Eisenmann, believed this and referred primarily to the schools' own responsibility. Now the debate flared up again after the Netherlands banned digital devices from classrooms and Hesse's Minister of Education Armin Schwarz called for uniform restrictive rules in Germany.
Tobias Sahm doesn't believe in such considerations. For a very simple reason: At the Johann Vanotti High School in Ehingen, which he runs, cell phones are already largely taboo on school grounds. Like most schools in the country, the JVG has long made use of the opportunity to regulate the use of electronic means of communication in the school regulations. “We already have very restrictive guidelines in our media regulations, so I don’t know what would change with a general ban,” says Sahm. Especially since it would be difficult to implement this in a legally secure manner and to check compliance. “Like in the USA, where school bags are searched for weapons, I can hardly have security personnel check whether someone has a cell phone.”
Use of cell phone only in emergencies and exceptional cases
In fact, the regulations in the JVG come quite close to a general ban. Pupils in grades 5 to 10 are allowed to carry electronic communication devices “invisibly” – even in their school bag or jacket – but they must be switched off or at least set to flight mode on the entire school campus at all times, including during breaks. They may only be used with the express permission of a teacher; “emergency calls” can be handled by the secretariat.
The regulations are somewhat relaxed for grades 11 and 12: the devices may be used “briefly” during breaks and in urgent exceptional cases to take care of important school matters – such as viewing the timetable on the school platform WebUntis. “As responsible role models, the students in this year understand these relaxations as a privilege and deal with them sensibly,” says the media regulations. During an exam, smartphones that are switched on are considered an attempt at deception and can be given a grade of 6.
The regulations have proven to be effective in everyday school life
Headmaster Tobias Sahm
“The regulations have proven themselves in everyday school life,” says Tobias Sahm. And prevention teacher Joachim Frank, also one of four prevention officers in the Alb-Donau district, agrees with the school principal: “We don’t have any major problems.” If the media regulations are violated, the teacher could collect the device. It will be kept in a box in the teachers' room and can be picked up by the affected student at the end of their school day. Although this doesn't happen every day, it does happen from time to time, but it usually ensures understanding among the students. In the event of repeated violations, a conversation will take place with the parents, who must collect the device.
However, when it comes to the measures, tact is required. “When someone has their cell phone in their hand, we first say, 'Put it away again,' and that's usually fine,” says Frank. And many younger students didn't have cell phones with them at school.
Headmaster Tobias Sahm (l.) and prevention teacher Joachim Frank explain the media regulations for dealing with cell phones at school. (Photo: Chic)
“The topic of prevention is more important than bans and punishments,” says Joachim Frank. At the JVG there are many different paths. The police come to each class once a year – in levels five, seven and nine they explain the use of digital media and in levels six and eight about the dangers of violence and drugs.
In addition, there is one school hour per week in regular lessons on media education, which covers everything from the technical introduction to computers to rules of conduct (network etiquette), data protection and security on the Internet.
The latter in particular is an important topic, emphasizes Joachim Frank. “We always incorporate these things ourselves into lessons,” he says, citing the example of developing rules for class chats, for example. These are set up outside of school by the children and young people themselves, but of course they play a major role in social interaction in the class.
A certain sensitivity is already present
Prevention teacher Joachim Frank about communication in class chats
In principle, playing games with smartphones, making image, video and sound recordings and forwarding them are prohibited. “Of course, we cannot prevent individual cases of exclusion, cyberbullying or the like,” says Tobias Sahm. However, the school spokeswoman assured him that this was not a big problem at the JVG. Joachim Frank is also convinced: “The children have all had their experiences with class chats, some even in primary school. There is already a certain sensitivity there.”
A lot of things fall under the heading of “nonsense,” adds the headmaster. Hitler photos have also been distributed. “We're not talking about criminals here, but they just thought it was cool without thinking about what they were actually doing,” explains the headmistress. Nevertheless, even in such cases, it is unavoidable: “There are discussions with the school management and sanctions such as detention or social services, such as helping the caretaker.” This is what has the most effect. In more serious cases, a conversation with the parents is also sought.
That's why parents play an important role
Parents in general: It is important to get them on board when it comes to prevention, Joachim Frank makes clear and refers to the big parents' evening that is organized every two years in collaboration with the police. This year, the district office's municipal addiction officer, Andrea Rösch, made it available free of charge digital parents' evening the Alb-Donau district and the city of Ulm. The social educator and media expert Clemens Beisel explains the challenges and opportunities of the digital world in more than ten video contributions – from WhatsApp to TikTok to gaming apps.
With very few exceptions, the use of smartphones is prohibited on the school grounds and especially in class at the JVG. (Photo: dpa)
In addition, the district office offers a comprehensive educational concept for all grade levels “Dealing with social media” which can be worked on with the students over two teaching units or longer. Topics such as the meaning and use of social media, advantages and disadvantages, dangerous challenges, sexting, gaming and tips for healthy use are discussed. “The goal is not only to highlight the risks, but also to shed light on the positive aspects of social media and to give students a balanced understanding,” says Andrea Rösch.
The offers from the district office
At the free digital parents’ evening Topics such as media dependency, beauty filters and the use of artificial intelligence in the education sector are dealt with in a practical way. This offer is available until September 5, 2025. Parents receive access information from their children's schools.
For the teaching workshop “Dealing with social media” There are no costs. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, teachers are welcome to contact Harun Basyildiz (email: [email protected]Tel.: 0731-185 4337).
This concept is also suitable for parents' evenings in order to teach legal guardians how to use digital media consciously and thoughtfully. “Parents play a key role by modeling how to use social media through their own behavior and actively discussing it with their children,” emphasizes Rösch. Because one thing is clear: “Smartphones have become an integral part of our everyday lives.” This is precisely why schools and parents should not only regulate, but also educate and support, she believes.
Tobias Frank and prevention teacher Frank are convinced that the JVG in Ehingen has found a good way forward. Frank believes that one that needs to be freely reviewed at any time: “Digital communication is a dynamic process – who knows what challenges will come that we have to respond to.”
Using smartphones etc.
Three tips from a prevention expert
The prevention teacher and representative Joachim Frank advises parents:
1. Yourself with smartphones and the digital world of children and even try it out for yourself: What kind of games are these that my child plays? He recommends the Internet platform www.klicksafe.de, an EU initiative for more security on the Internet. This contains, among other things, extensive advice on media education.
2. Arrange usage times: Depending on their age, the times during which the child can use the smartphone or tablet for non-school applications are limited. This can be done by creating centrally controllable profiles for family members, for example via screen times or app restrictions.
3. Be a role model: As with many parenting issues, the following applies: what you ask of the children, you also have to take to heart yourself – for example, not reaching for your cell phone in front of the children at every opportunity.