Denmark Set to Ban Mobile Phones in Schools
The Danish government is preparing to ban the use of mobile phones in schools and after-school clubs in an effort to improve students' focus and reduce digital dependency. A government-appointed commission has highlighted the negative effects of digitalisation on children, stressing that children under the age of 13 should not own a smartphone.
Under the proposed legislation, students aged 7 to 16 will be prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school. This decision aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where countries are introducing stricter regulations on children's use of mobile phones and social media.
The commission’s report warns of the risks associated with children under 13 joining social media platforms. It notes that young people spend an average of three hours per day on TikTok and YouTube, reducing the time they dedicate to education, physical activity, and social interactions.
Similar measures have been implemented in other European countries. France banned the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools in 2018, while Norway introduced a minimum age of 15 for social media use to protect children from technology addiction.
With Denmark’s new restrictions, the government aims to encourage children to spend less time on digital platforms and more time on academic and social development.