In Britain, the government has announced a ban on mobile phones in schools to prevent distraction, disruption and bullying. However, the British teachers’ union considers the ban ineffective because it cannot be enforced. In Austria, too, teacher representatives cannot accept the idea of banning mobile phones in schools.
Teachers’ representatives in Austria are instead calling for more legal options for cases where students ignore agreements on mobile phone use.
Each location can decide individually
The school community committee (representatives of students, parents and teachers) currently sets the rules for the use of mobile phones in the house rules at each location. In some schools, these should be locked in the locker or kept in another safe place during class, says top teacher representative Paul Kimberger (FCG).
In practice, however, there are disruptions and distractions in lessons caused by mobile phones, and phenomena such as bullying and violence are also a problem in Austria.
“Reasonable dose”
Kimberger still doesn’t think a general ban makes sense. “Mobile phones and digital devices are part of our world and must be used wisely in lessons – according to the age of the students,” he stressed. But there must also be times without mobile phones and digital devices; here you should generally think about the sensible dose. “I am a big supporter of setting clear rules here.”
The problem: the rules in the house rules are currently only agreements and sanctions for those who do not adhere to them are “very difficult” to implement, according to the teachers’ union. He would like to see the legislature provide for consequences, such as allowing the mobile phone to be taken away in case of violations and stored at the head office or another safe place. Currently there is always legal uncertainty here. “Clearer rules are needed here, which can also be enforced by schools.”
Source: Krone
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