129th German Medical Association calls for screen-free schools
The requirements are based on a guideline on screen media use that was developed at the UW/H
The 129th German Medical Assembly has passed two resolutions calling for a ban on smartphones in schools. Only qualified teachers who have been trained in the benefits and risks should be allowed to use the devices in an educationally self-determined manner. Another medical justification for general bans is provided by the regulations of the employers' liability insurance associations for ergonomically designed workstations.
Strict rules apply in companies for the ergonomic design of office workstations. The "S2k Guideline on the Prevention of Dysregulated Screen Media Use in Childhood and Adolescence" from 11 German professional associations points out that the introduction of tablets in daycare centres and schools is a breach of the rules:
"There are good reasons to assume that digital teaching brings with it the same symptoms as classic office work or screen activity: headaches, nervousness, irritability, musculoskeletal disorders and eye disorders. A large proportion of children do not have access to fully equipped PC workstations and therefore follow digital lessons on mobile devices. Not least because many schools have switched to buying tablets in large quantities or accepting them as gifts from the industry and handing them out to pupils on loan in order to ensure digital teaching. This development is a cause for concern, as the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health advises that tablets and smartphones should only be used for short periods of time due to the increased risks of physical strain" (Guideline 2023, p.17).
Tablets and smartphones are not used as learning and working devices in schools for short periods of time, which is why tablets and smartphones are prohibited in schools. Experts recommend screen-free lessons up to the age of 16. From senior school onwards, ergonomically equipped VDU workstations are required to protect against consequential damage. In particular, early myopia with a high risk of early blindness is a consequence of small screens.
Guideline coordinator:
Prof Dr David Martin (david.martin@uni-wh.de)
Dr Silke Schwarz (silke.schwarz@uni-wh.de)