Politicians in Basel are calling for a ban on mobile phones in schools. They believe that the widespread use of mobile phones in schools poses a serious threat to children's development. Basel city councillor Anouk Ferrer has publicly expressed support for the ban, emphasizing the negative impact that screen time has on young children. "Children have to develop a lot of skills, especially in the first few years of life," she pointed out in an interview with SRF.
Study supports the ban
Eva Unternaehrer of the University Clinic in Basel shared Ferrer's concerns. "Every minute that a child spends in front of a screen is wasted," she said. She particularly emphasized that the period from zero to three years old is a critical period, and the less time in front of the screen, the better. The World Health Organization (WHO) even recommends completely avoiding screen time in the first two years of life. Unternaehrer recommends that parents learn these preventive measures in childbirth preparation courses.
Application of mobile phone signal jammers
Against this backdrop, mobile phone jammers have emerged as an effective solution. These devices are able to block mobile phone signals within a certain range, ensuring that students cannot use their phones during school hours, allowing them to focus on learning and social interaction. Although mobile phone jammers are illegal in many countries, they are considered necessary in some cases. For example, France allows the use of mobile phone jammers in cinemas, theaters and public events to maintain a quiet and orderly environment.
Negative consequences
Negative consequences of mobile phone use include language development problems, difficulty concentrating, and difficulties in forming stable relationships with adults. These problems are particularly prominent in school-age children, whose social and cognitive skills are in a period of rapid development. By limiting mobile phone use, schools can help students better develop these key skills.
Call for action
The call by Ferrer and other Basel politicians reflects a deep concern for children's development and the quality of education. They hope that by banning mobile phone use, they can create an environment that is more conducive to students' growth and learning. Although the ban may cause some controversy, a growing number of studies support this measure, showing its positive impact on children's development.
Conclusion
Banning mobile phones in schools will not only help improve students' attention and academic performance, but also promote their social and language skills. By using technical means such as mobile phone blockers, schools can effectively implement this ban and ensure that students are away from mobile phone distractions during school hours. The initiative of Basel politicians provides a useful reference for the global education community and is worthy of consideration and adoption by other regions.