More and more countries are concerned about the negative influence of smartphones and the internet on children. Denmark is now planning a legislative initiative
Denmark's government is planning a legal ban on cell phones and private tablets at all primary and secondary schools (Folkeskole) and after-school care centers. According to the Danish newspaper Politiken, Children and Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye explained that the devices are to be banned not only during lessons but also during breaks. Head teachers are critical of the move. A few years ago, the Danish government initially refrained from introducing a ban.
The U-turn is justified with the recommendation of a commission for the well-being of children. The Trivselskommission was founded in 2023 to get to the bottom of the increasing dissatisfaction among children and young people. The cell phone ban is one of 35 recommendations that were made. Others concern, for example, age limits and addictive website designs. The commission advises that children under the age of 13 should not be given a smartphone or their own tablet. The ban on cell phones in schools is equivalent to a ban on smoking.
