EU Education Ministers Discuss Mobile Phone Ban in Schools

Brussels – The ministers for youth and education of the EU met on Monday in Brussels. During the youth part in the morning, among other things, the impact of disinformation and threats in cyberspace on young people was discussed. In the afternoon, the education ministers plan to adopt a recommendation for the recognition of higher education diplomas and discuss the mobile phone ban in schools. Austria is represented by Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS).

“Education is the most important thing we have in Europe,” emphasized Wiederkehr at the start of his first Education Council in Brussels. Today, important topics are being addressed, such as the question of basic qualifications of young people in schools and the issue of inclusion. Austria has anchored many points on this in the coalition agreement. At the initiative of Italy together with Austria, the topic of mobile phone use in schools has been placed on the agenda, according to the minister.

Mobile phone ban brings more performance

Since May 1, a mobile phone ban has been in effect in Austria, both in class and during breaks. “We are seeing more and more member states adopting the same regulation,” said the liberal politician. There will be an exchange on this today. The “massive use of mobile phones” leads to addiction factors, less concentration, and more conflicts; making schools mobile-free zones leads to better performance and fewer conflicts: “That is why we will discuss and promote this initiative that we have started in Austria with other member states.”

He has received very positive feedback on the mobile phone ban in Austrian schools, said Wiederkehr. Representatives of students, teachers, and school administrations are pleased about it. “Students tell me they have more concentration as a result”; many international studies would also show this. (12.05.25)