Author Archives: Phone Locker

There is some contention across Europe on the approach to banning mobile phones and smart devices from the classroom. We take a look at what’s causing people to stay on the fence. Back in 2021, Australia’s Queensland began rolling out mobile phones bans in schools, followed in 2023 by South Australia and New South Wales. […]

Following a ban in French-speaking schools in Germany, from the start of the 2025 school year, the use of smartphones, smart watches and other connected devices will be banned in all primary and secondary schools in Belgium’s German-speaking community too. We recently covered the news that Belgium were implementing a complete ban on mobile phones […]

Channel 4’s new documentary SWIPED has taken the country by storm as it investigates young people’s relationships with technology and conducts experiments to try and grasp how much these devices are really endangering our children.

Mobile phone policies in Croatian schools vary greatly, with many institutions opting for complete bans to mitigate distractions. Teachers, especially in specialized subjects, notably support stricter mobile regulations. While mobile phones can enhance digital literacy and student engagement through access to resources, they also pose considerable distractions. Student opinions on bans differ by age, with older students more resistant. Comparative European measures, […]

Norwegian schools have implemented structured phone restrictions to improve student engagement and reduce distractions. Recommendations from the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training advocate for regulation of mobile phone and smartwatch use, especially during lessons and breaks in primary and secondary schools. Currently, over 96% of primary and junior high schools and 64% of secondary schools have such restrictions. These […]

The possibility of mobile phones and smart devices being banned in schools can be traced back to 2019. In 2024, the DfE (Department for Education) issued guidance for schools on how and why they should prohibit the use of mobile phones. Here, we look at this guidance, together with real-world feedback from schools who have […]

In the evolving landscape of education, Austrian schools are maneuvering the complexities of mobile phone use with a unique approach that emphasizes autonomy and community involvement. Under the guidance of Education Minister Martin Polaschek, schools are encouraged to craft their own regulations, balancing the integration of digital media with the necessity of maintaining academic focus and student well-being. This localized decision-making process […]

Explore the growing debate over mobile phone use in Czech schools, with a focus on Vsetín’s new phone ban and its impact on education and student well-being.