Ludwigshafen: Student and teacher sentiments on enforced mobile phone restrictions

The Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium in Northeim, Germany, has implemented a mobile phone policy that has proven to be a successful measure, according to the school's headmaster, Stefan Schacht. The policy, which has been in place for several years, has been well-received by both students and staff.

Stefan Schacht, who is in his 49th year, oversees the school's day-to-day operations. He believes the current policy works well, with most students following the rules. The policy allows students to keep their phones for educational use and for commuting purposes.

Dirk Lorenz, the middle school coordinator at the school, explains that the school does not collect phones in the morning or lock them away. Instead, mobile phone offenses are recorded in a digital class book, and there is a tiered model for dealing with such offenses. The second offense results in a conversation with the headmaster, while the third offense leads to a pedagogical measure.

Klaus Ziegler, the chairperson of the Works Council at the school, agrees that the policy has been successful. He notes that there are fewer students sitting alone and using their phones, indicating improvement in the school's anti-isolation efforts.

Two students, Konstantin Scholz and Johannes Berger, both 18, also support the policy. Konstantin believes a general ban on mobile phones is the wrong approach, while Johannes thinks things have improved since the school introduced new rules regarding mobile phone usage.

The Ministry of Education in Rhineland-Palatinate has published a guide recommending that smartphones and tablets should be switched off in schools whenever possible. However, the guide also suggests that all schools should establish corresponding rules by the start of the 2026/27 school year.

It is worth noting that the Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium in Ludwigshafen already has such rules in place. The school's initial policy required phones to be switched off when classes started or when entering the school. However, the current policy allows for more flexibility, allowing students to use their phones for educational purposes.

Overall, the mobile phone policy at the Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium has been a success, with most students following the rules and the school seeing improvements in student behaviour and anti-isolation efforts. The school's approach to mobile phone usage serves as a model for other schools in the region.

Ludwigshafen: Student and teacher sentiments on enforced mobile phone restrictions