Survey Reveals Widespread Desire for Mobile Device Prohibition in Educational Institutions Among Parents
In a recent survey commissioned by Postbank, it has been revealed that a staggering 80% of parents in Germany support a ban on mobile phones in schools[1]. This high level of agreement is not confined to any specific age group, as both older and younger parents show strong support for the measure.
The survey, titled "Digital Study 2025," was conducted online between May and June this year, surveying 3,050 residents[1]. Among those aged 40 and above, 52% agreed that mobile phones disrupt lessons and concentration, compared to 47% among those aged 18 to 39[1]. Furthermore, 32% of respondents support a ban but think there should be exceptions for certain situations.
While the German Teachers' Association did not provide specific percentages per age group's preference for or against a mobile phone ban in schools, the survey findings suggest that the desire for banning phones in schools is widely shared among parents regardless of their generation.
Stefan Dull, president of the German Teachers' Association, believes that many adults struggle with the high potential for distraction from smartphones[3]. Dull advocates for clear rules in schools regarding mobile phone use, but the Association opposes an outright ban, instead believing that digital media should be used purposefully in schools to help children and young people develop appropriate and responsible use of digital media and social networks[5].
The Association has not mentioned any specific state or school district's regulations or plans regarding mobile phone use in schools, unlike the previous mentions of Saarland, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern[4]. Schools in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will also regulate mobile phone use themselves, while schools in North Rhine-Westphalia are to establish age-appropriate rules for mobile phone use by autumn[4]. In June, the state parliament of Saarland banned the use of private smartphones and smartwatches in the first four grades of primary and special schools[4].
The survey findings contrast with the opinions from teacher associations, which tend to take a more nuanced view. The Association believes that instructionally irrelevant objects, including mobile phones, can already be confiscated until the end of the school day[5]. However, the Association does not express a view on the demand for exceptions to a mobile phone ban in certain situations, as discussed in the survey[4].
The "Leisure Monitor 2025" study found that many Germans spend a lot of time on their smartphones and the internet, with some neglecting purely analog leisure activities[2]. Concerns behind support for phone bans in schools include distraction, mental health issues like anxiety and fear of missing out, and data security/privacy[2][4].
Schools and politicians in other regions, such as West Virginia in the U.S., are also adopting phone bans to improve instructional focus and protect student wellbeing, illustrating a broader trend[2]. As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of mobile phone use in schools is a significant concern for parents and educators alike.
[1] Postbank survey, "Digital Study 2025" [2] Education Week, "West Virginia Becomes Latest State to Ban Cell Phones in Schools" [3] Handelsblatt, "Schulen müssen klare Regeln über Mobiltelefone setzen" [4] Der Spiegel, "Deutsche Lehrer fordern klare Regeln für Mobiltelefone in der Schule" [5] Bildungs- und Erziehungsarbeitsgemeinschaft, "Stellungnahme zum Thema Mobiltelefone in der Schule"
During their spare time, many parents in Germany utilize online platforms for self-development and general news, often expressing concerns about mobile phone usage in education-and-self-development. Ironically, these same devices have become a topic of discussion, with 80% of parents supporting a ban on mobile phones in schools due to their potential disruption of focus and concentration.
