Denmark to Ban Smartphones in Schools

Denmark is set to ban smartphones and personal tablets in schools following concerns about their impact on children's mental health and academic performance.

Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye announced the ban on Tuesday, emphasizing that students will not be allowed to use mobile devices during lessons or breaks.

The decision follows recommendations from a government-appointed youth wellbeing commission, which also suggested restricting smartphone use for children under 13 years old.

Experts warn that excessive smartphone use may negatively affect children's self-esteem and focus.

Rasmus Meyer, president of the commission, highlighted the risks, stating, "As soon as a phone enters a child's bedroom, it takes up all the space. It risks destroying their self-esteem. As soon as they have a gadget in their hands, their wellbeing suffers."

While some schools in the UK enforce their own mobile phone bans, there is no nationwide law restricting their use. Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland provide guidance on phone policies but leave enforcement up to individual schools.

Recent research from the University of Birmingham examined the impact of phone bans on students’ wellbeing and academic performance.

It found that while frequent smartphone use can harm concentration, banning phones in schools had little effect on students’ grades or overall wellbeing.