Phones Out: Denmark Launches School Smartphone Ban
"Foreigners in Denmark Express Thoughts on School Phone Ban Proposal: Building Authentic Relationships in Classrooms"
It's official! Denmark proposes to enforce a ban on smartphone usage in schools, following in the footsteps of Brazil and Finland. But what do the Danish people think? Let's find out!
Phones and Tablets, Say Goodbye!
The Danish government has planned to implement a ban on smartphones and tablets in schools, affecting all students, not just during lessons, but also during break times and after-school programs. Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye announced the looming change in law, stating that the new regulation aims to enhance children's well-being, minimize distractions, and combat anxiety caused by excessive screen time.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt echoed this stance, mentioning that he believes "screens are robbing many of our children of their childhood." The reform Commission recommends that under-13s should refrain from using smartphones and tablets, even outside of school.
Denmark Follows the Example of Brazil
Anna Cruz from Denmark asserted that the country should replicate Brazil's approach, which already has a similar policy in place. The law was enacted last year in Brazil and currently applies to students up to the last year of high school, across public and private schools. For more information, read about Brazil's policy here.
Students versus Screens
Lorena from Mørke participated in the discussion, voicing her support for the Danish initiative. She emphasized that studies have shown that children and teenagers struggle to discern the difference between online and offline activities, rendering them highly susceptible to digital media's impact. Devices also make it challenging for young people to develop meaningful relationships.
Lorena also pointed out Brazil's recent legislation on the issue. Meanwhile, the general sentiment among the readers surveyed was positive towards the proposed Danish ban. Supporters of the plan highlighted its potential benefits, such as improvement in focus, reduced distractions, and combating digital addiction among young students.
Practical Concerns
However, not everyone agreed with the proposed legislation. A concern was raised about the inconvenience of the ban for children trying to communicate with their parents in case of school schedule adjustments or pickups.
Wrapping It Up
With Denmark taking a stand against smartphones in schools, it calls attention to growing international concern about the impact of digital devices on children's development and mental health. Finland has already adopted a similar nationwide ban, while Brazil maintains a more regionally diverse approach. Denmark's legislation is particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive scope and emphasis on complete device exclusion during all school-related hours to safeguard children's mental health and increase their focus.[1][2][3][4]
As Denmark moves ahead with this initiative, it adds to the international discourse surrounding the appropriate use of technology among young students. It remains to be seen how this new regulation will play out in the Danish educational landscape, and whether other countries will follow suit.
Discussion Prompt:
What is your opinion on the Danish initiative to prohibit smartphone use in schools? Should other countries adopt similar policies, or do you think it depends on the specific cultural context of each country? Share your observations and experiences in the comments section below!
References:
[1] Kappel, M. (2025, February 1). Denmark set to ban mobilephones at school: Minister. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-denmark-smartphones/denmark-set-to-ban-mobilephones-at-school-minister-idUSKBN2DB1JQ
[2] Associated Press (2025, February 3). Denmark to consider banning phones in schools. Retrieved from https://www.denmarktoday.com/news/denmark-to-consider-banning-phones-in-schools
[3] Just Aarhus (2025, February 3). Danmarks landetsministerer understøtter skolefor budgetoplysning om skolebuan der skal forbyde eleverne at brenge skolebane med deres mobiltelefon. Retrieved from https://www.justaarhus.dk/det-er-nyt/nyheder/danmarks-landetsministerer-underst%C3%B8tter-skolefor-budgetoplysning-om-skolebuan-der-skal-forbyde-eleverne-at-brenge-skolebane-med-deres-mobiltelefon
[4] Graham-Harrison, E. (2025, February 2). Denmark to ban mobile phones and tablets from schools. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/02/denmark-to-ban-mobile-phones-and-tablets-from-schools-the-modern-equivalent-of-desks-without-textbooks-say-experts
- The Danish government's plan to ban smartphones and tablets in schools may inspire other nations to reconsider their approach to technology use among students, drawing parallels with Brazil's existing policy.
- In a cultural and educational landscape emphasizing the importance of art, news, and self-development, the Danish proposal to limit screen time in schools could have broader implications, potentially fostering a more balanced focus on traditional culture and learning.
- Given the ongoing debate about the impact of technology on children's mental health, it's essential to explore opportunities for integration of technology education and self-development programs within schools, helping both students and educators maintain a healthy relationship with digital tools.
