Denmark Considers Banning Smartphones in Schools
On Tuesday, Denmark’s Minister of Education announced plans to draft legislation banning smartphones in schools, following recommendations from a youth welfare committee.
In an interview with the Danish newspaper Politiken, Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye stated, “We in the government have chosen to support this idea, which is why we’ve started preparing a change in the law.” While the specific terms of the new legislation have yet to be finalized, Tesfaye emphasized that “mobile phones and personal tablets have no place in schools—not during breaks, nor in classrooms.”
In addition to prohibiting smartphone use in schools and colleges, the welfare committee also recommended delaying children’s access to smartphones until the age of 13. Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt echoed this sentiment during a press conference, saying, “In my opinion, screens steal the childhood of too many of our children.”
When asked whether it was necessary to take smartphones away from children under 13, the committee’s chairperson responded affirmatively.
This move reflects growing concerns about the impact of digital devices on young people’s well-being and education. As Denmark progresses with this potential law, it joins a broader global conversation about managing technology in learning environments.
