Denmark aims to introduce legislation banning mobile phones in schools, announced the Minister of Education, following recommendations from a youth well-being committee presented today.
“As a government, we have chosen to support this idea, and for this reason, we are beginning to draft changes to the law,” explained Mattias Tesfaye to the newspaper Politiken.
The details of the new law have not yet been finalized, but “mobile phones and personal tablets have no place in schools—not during breaks, nor during lessons,” stated the Danish Minister of Education.
Beyond schools and high schools, the committee recommends allowing mobile phone use only after the age of 13.
“In my opinion, screens are stealing childhood from our children,” said Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt during a press conference.
When asked whether mobile phones should be taken away from children under 13, the committee’s chairman answered affirmatively. “And it’s clear that this is not something that should be enforced by law,” clarified Rasmus Meyer.
“Once a mobile phone enters a child’s room, it takes over the entire space. It threatens their self-esteem. When they have this gadget in their hands, it creates problems for their well-being.”
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