The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a party within Germany’s coalition government, has proposed creating mandatory “safe zones” in all schools for students up to and including 10th grade where personal mobile phone use is prohibited during lessons and recess. Announced on January 28, the measure aims to address teacher complaints about classroom conflicts, cyberbullying, and disciplinary issues directly linked to smartphone usage.
The party’s proposal cites research indicating that constant mobile phone use correlates with diminished concentration, elevated stress levels, and reduced satisfaction with school life.
Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron directed his government on January 24 to adopt a law banning social network platforms for children under the age of 15 in secondary schools starting September 2026. The legislation will be considered by the French parliament beginning January 26, following an existing 2023 law that requires social media platforms to obtain parental consent before creating accounts for minors under 15.
