New rules for mobile phone use at the KGS Brinkum: Students have to rethink

New rules for mobile phone use at the KGS Brinkum: Students have to rethink

The KGS Brinkum has made a significant decision that concerns how to deal with digital devices in school. From now on, the use of cell phones and tablets is regulated more strictly during breaks and during class. This measure aims to promote the concentration of the students and minimize distractions through mobile phones.

meaning of the new rules

With the new regulation, those responsible for the KGS Brinkum would like to create an environment that supports the learning and concentration of the students. According to headmaster Dieter Meyer, there is a broad consensus among teachers and parents about the need for these measures. A current study by the OECD underpins the concerns about the distraction by cell phones and warns of learning residues through uncontrolled mobile use.

student representation and opinions

Although the student representative could not be asked for a decision, the students' opinion was collected in a working group. Under the direction of teacher Yvana Gettel, eight students discussed various approaches to use of cell phone. The results show that there are different opinions: some students advocated a complete ban, while others preferred controlled use. "We only have this one childhood, don't let it spend us on the cell phone," said a participant in the working group.

safety aspects and data protection

A reason for the stricter rules is also the protection of the students, especially with regard to data protection and privacy. The headmaster emphasizes that unauthorized films from classmates are an increasing problem in inappropriate situations. The spread of such recordings about social media such as WhatsApp or Tikok is worrying and is to be contained by the new usage guidelines.

practical implementation of the rules

The new rules state that cell phones have to stay in the backpack during school time, while tablets may only be on the table if they are used for teaching purposes. Meyer makes it clear that this is not a general ban, but a measure to promote responsible use of digital media.

effects on the school community

The school community largely welcomes the new regulation. Silvia Rievers, the chair of the school parents' council, says: "From a parent perspective, data protection is a big problem. School should remain a protected space." Parenthood also sees a way in the regulations to protect the students from the dangers of uncontrolled cell phone use.

FAZIT

Overall, the new mobile phone usage rule on the KGS Brinkum reflects a growing awareness of the challenges of the digital world. The responsibility for the design of a learning environment is now not only at school, but also among the students and their parents. Similar regulations could also become standard in other schools in the near future.