Swap Mobile Phone Ban for Laptops in Schools, Greens Argue
Older Students Receive Laptops Instead of Implementing Phone Bans - older students to be provided laptop devices, rather than limited to mobile phones only
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The Green party in Wiesbaden's state parliament argues for giving laptops to students starting from grade 7, along with media education training, instead of merely banning mobile phones in Hessian schools. Group leader Mathias Wagner and education spokesperson Daniel May said, "Even we Greens support regulating mobile phone usage in schools." However, a smartphone ban without concurrent efforts to bolster digital and media education is a hollow gesture.
Wagner and May highlighted gaps in digital skills among many young people, emphasizing that an outright mobile phone ban would be shallow symbolism. They also pointed to the influence of social media, particularly TikTok, on radicalizing young people.
Greens: Cost Sharing between State and Parents for Laptops
The Green faction proposes splitting the cost of student laptops between the state and parents using a rent-to-own program. For around 20 percent of students lacking sufficient parental funds, free loan devices should be provided.
The CDU and SPD-promoted smartphone ban in schools is slated for consideration in the state parliament in June. However, the proposed ban allows for exceptions for certain schools and media education programs.
CDU Education Minister Warns of Offensive Social Media Content
CDU Education Minister Armin Schwarzremarked that schools should be safe zones, free from diversions and fears. He noted, "We can't just stand by while unfiltered smartphone usage and potentially troubling content on social media negatively impact the mental health and academic performance of young people." At the same time, Schwarz underlined the importance of teaching students proper media use.
Why Laptops Over Mobile Phones?
Laptops offer students a more robust learning platform compared to mobile phones. They enable students to better engage with educational content, such as typing assignments, accessing digital resources, and participating in online classes[4]. Additionally, laptops help young people develop essential digital skills, like using software applications, managing digital files, and navigating online platforms securely[4].
By providing laptops, schools can ensure all students have equal access to digital tools, bridging the digital divide[4]. Furthermore, many jobs require laptop competency, so schools can help prepare students for future careers by offering laptops as part of their educational programs[4].
Proposals for Funding Laptops
Although the exact funding methods proposed by the German Green Party are unclear, Green parties in Germany often advocate for substantial investments in education and sustainable digital infrastructure. Potential funding sources might include government allocations, public-private partnerships, and initiatives addressing digital inequality[4]. The funding could also be connected to broader educational reforms or environmental initiatives that align with the party's environmental and social equity objectives.
Weighing Options: Mobile Phone Ban vs. Laptop Provision
A mobile phone ban could help minimize distractions in the classroom and promote focused learning. But it neglects the need for digital tools in education. In contrast, providing laptops directly supports educational goals by integrating technology into the learning process. Although implementing a phone ban might be more straightforward, it lacks the educational benefits offered by providing laptops.
- The Green party suggests implementing a shift from a mobile phone ban in schools towards providing laptops for students from grade 7, accompanied by media education training, acknowledging the need for digital skills in education and self-development.
- In the debate between a mobile phone ban versus laptop provision, the Green party argues that laptops offer a more robust learning platform, enabling students to engage better with educational content, develop digital skills, and prepare for future vocational training and careers.
