22 Jan. MEP Manuela Ripa (ÖDP) calls for elementary school without cell phones

Ripa: "Media literacy yes. Cell phone use no! Nobody wants quiet schoolyards"

(Strasbourg/Saarbrücken) Manuela Ripa, MEP of the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP), is calling for smartphones to be banned from elementary school. Luxembourg is setting a good example by banning cell phones in all elementary school from Easter, she said. Other European countries have already done the same. Ripa refers to studies that prove the positive effects of such a ban. "The studies clearly show that mobile phone-free schools are beneficial for the well-being and learning performance of pupils. Cell phone use reduces the ability to concentrate. It is also good for children's social contacts and health if they interact and play together outside during breaks. Nobody wants quiet schoolyards where children sit around and send each other messages," said the MEP.

Children in particular are susceptible to addictive behavior due to their lack of experience in the digital world, and cell phone use at school also increases the risk of bullying and exclusion. "All the facts are on the table, now we just need to have the foresight to act," said the ÖDP politician, who criticized Saarland Education Minister Streichert-Clivot (SPD) for rejecting a ban on cell phones in schools. However, it is not only in elementary school, but also in secondary schools that cell phone use is getting out of hand. There, more freedom in the use of cell phones could be allowed. It is much more important to empower pupils in all types of schools to survive in an increasingly digital world with its opportunities and dangers. "No cell phones at school does not mean that children should not be taught digital skills at school - this is often confused in the debate. In the digital age, it is actually very important that children are taught how touse digital devices competently and responsiblyat school. Especially in the age of AI, pupils must learn to critically question information and sources - they should get an AI driving license! Allowing AI to do their homework, on the other hand, is certainly not the solution," concluded Ripa. "Here, too, I cannot follow Minister Streichert-Clivot."