German teachers' union calls for school smartphone bans and stricter digital child‑protection rules

The German teachers’ union PhV has urged the government to adopt clear, binding regulations to safeguard children in the digital environment. It argues that technology companies should be held legally liable and that schools cannot bear sole responsibility for digital safety.

The union also backs proposals for a possible ban on smartphones in schools, stating that such a step would reinforce its position on protecting pupils from the negative effects of constant device use. PhV stresses that swift, enforceable measures are needed to address the growing concerns around digital exposure for minors.