In a sweeping policy initiative, the Danish government is set to ban mobile phones and private tablets in schools and leisure centers by enacting a change in law. This proposal comes amid ongoing debates over digital distractions in classrooms and follows recommendations from the recently established Trivselskommissionen (Well-being Commission).
Government proposal to ban mobile phones in schools
The Children and Education Minister, Mattias Tesfaye (S), announced the plan, emphasizing the need for a distraction‐free learning environment.
“There are always a thousand exceptions, but we should discuss based on a main rule that mobile phones and private tablets do not belong in schools – neither during breaks nor during lessons.”
This move marks a significant policy reversal, as previous Governments had declined to introduce a legal ban on mobile devices in educational settings.
Insights from the Trivselskommissionen
The proposal is grounded in the recommendations of the Trivselskommissionen (Well-being Commission), established in 2023 by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to combat the growing trend of unhappiness among children and young people. Among its 35 recommendations, the commission advises that all primary schools become mobile-free. It further recommends that:
“Children should not have a smartphone until they are 13.”
Recent data underscores the urgency of addressing mobile phone use in schools. A study conducted by the Ministry of Children and Education revealed that more than one in three students in grades 6 and 8 experienced distractions from digital devices during lessons. Despite 84% of schools having existing mobile policies, classroom disruptions persist—raising concerns about the impact on student focus and academic performance.
Additional findings from the commission indicate that 94% of young people have a social media profile before the age of 13, with 9- to 14-year-olds spending an average of three hours daily on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. These insights highlight the pervasive influence of digital media on young minds and the pressing need to balance digital engagement with traditional learning and physical socialization.
Mixed reactions among educational leaders
Not all stakeholders are convinced that a blanket ban is the optimal solution. Dorte Andreas, Chairperson of the School Principals’ Association (Skolelederforeningen), expressed reservations:
“I do not understand the reason for a mobile ban, as most schools already have a mobile policy.”
Andreas argues that while digital distractions are a legitimate concern, the decision to restrict mobile phone use might be better managed at the school level rather than through national legislation.
In addition to educators, students and parents have shared mixed reactions. Some students worry that the ban might restrict their ability to stay connected and develop essential digital skills, while others welcome the potential for fewer distractions and more focused learning environments. Similarly, parents are divided; a number support the initiative for its promise to enhance academic performance and well-being, yet others fear it may leave their children underprepared for a digitally driven future.
Impact on education and well-being
As the Danish Government pushes forward with this proposal, the debate over digital device use in education is set to intensify. Proponents believe that a legal ban will foster deeper concentration and more meaningful social interactions in classrooms, while critics worry that it may impede digital literacy—a vital skill in today’s technology-driven world.
With robust data and expert recommendations on one side, and concerns over policy overreach on the other, the coming months will be critical in determining whether this initiative can strike the right balance between safeguarding student well-being and embracing technological advancements in education.
