Teacher Study: Mobile Phone Rules in Schools Already Almost Nationwide

A recent survey by Bundesverlag Schulbuch (öbv) and Uni Linz shows that schools are already almost universally restricting mobile phone use autonomously. 53 percent report a ban during lessons, another 40 percent report rules.

The guidelines vary significantly depending on the age group: In the non-representative survey, 80 percent of primary school teachers reported that mobile phone use during lessons is banned at their school. Another 16 percent reported rules. Among the surveyed secondary school teaching staff, it was 58 and 42 percent respectively. Bans are much less common among older students: At vocational middle and higher schools (BMHS), only 23 percent stated that mobile phones may not be used during lessons. 52 percent reported rules. During breaks, according to 63 percent of respondents, there is a ban on mobile phones across all types of schools, 16 percent reported rules.

Teacher Study: Three Quarters Would Support a General Mobile Phone Ban

Of the teachers surveyed, the mobile phone bans or rules for mobile phone use at their schools are predominantly supported. 73 percent view such guidelines in lessons positively, 16 percent neutrally and eight percent negatively. Slightly fewer support a ban or restriction during breaks (65, 20 and 13 percent respectively). According to the survey, three quarters of teachers would like a general ban on mobile phones in schools (44 percent yes, 30 rather yes), again especially teachers at primary and secondary schools.

Overall, teachers who teach older students see less need for restrictions on mobile phone use. Teachers who positively assess the pedagogical use of digital media and the use of artificial intelligence by students also less frequently wish for a smartphone ban or rules, or support this, according to the announcement.

In the survey, 14 percent of teachers assume that their students often use their smartphone for school or learning and 27 percent sometimes. Here too, age makes the difference: While the values given by primary school teachers are still relatively low (four percent often, 13 sometimes), those surveyed at BMHS and grammar schools assume a majority who use the smartphone for school purposes (BMHS: 29 percent often, 41 sometimes; AHS: 16 and 46 percent respectively).

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.