Denmark To Ban Smartphones In Schools Under New Legislation.
The Danish government has announced plans to introduce a ban on smartphones in schools, as part of a broader effort to improve children’s wellbeing and focus on education.
Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye confirmed on Tuesday that the government will support the proposal, which will lead to changes in legislation. Speaking to Danish newspaper Politiken, he stated, “We have decided to give the government’s support to this idea and that’s why we are starting to prepare a change in the law.”
Although the details of the law have yet to be finalised, Tesfaye made it clear that “mobile phones and personal tablets will not be allowed at school, neither during break times nor during lessons.”
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt echoed these concerns, emphasising the negative impact of excessive screen time on young people. “I believe screens are robbing many of our children of their childhood,” he said during a press conference.
The move follows recommendations from a youth wellbeing commission, which has suggested restricting smartphone use to those aged 13 and older. However, Rasmus Meyer, president of the commission, stressed that age restrictions should not be enforced by law.
Meyer also highlighted the dangers of excessive screen use, particularly in personal spaces. “As soon as a phone enters a child’s bedroom, it takes up all the space. It risks destroying their self-esteem. As soon as they have a gadget in their hands, their wellbeing suffers,” he warned.
The proposed legislation aims to foster a more focused learning environment and encourage healthier social interactions among students. If implemented, Denmark will join a growing number of countries taking steps to regulate smartphone use in schools.
