European School in Kirchberg bans mobile phones for pupils

According to information received by RTL Infos, as part of a growing trend in schools weighing how to manage their pupils' dependence on screens, the European School in Kirchberg has taken the major decision to officially ban the use of mobile phones on their premises as of this Wednesday. It's a decision that will inevitably frustrate many pupils, but one that appeals to parents who feel helpless in the face of their children's increasing dependence on phones.

The new rules at the European School are not the same for all students, explains Caroll Lemarié, Deputy Director of the secondary school. There are differences for young students (1st to 3rd year) and older students (4th to 7th year): "Younger pupils have to leave their phones in their lockers in the morning, and can only pick them up after lessons."

She adds that younger pupils are not allowed to keep their device in their bag and there are penalties for those who break the rules. "Initially, we'll remind them of the rules, but after that, we've planned a fairly strict system (of penalties),’ she warns. For older students, the rules are slightly different. They can keep their phone with them but are not allowed to use it on school premises. They may, however, go to the playground or recreation room to use their device.

Read also: Is a smartphone ban in schools on the horizon for Luxembourg?

Reviving social interaction

"The aim (of the ban) is not to demonise phones, but there is a time and place for everything," explains the deputy director. She highlights the dangers of excessive screen time. "Concentration problems, social isolation, cyber-bullying", these are the reasons why she feels measures had to be taken.

Lemarié adds that there is also a desire to "reconnect with social interaction". According to her, by simply walking through the school's corridors, it was clear that there was a glaring problem. "Pupils were sitting next to each other but not interacting with each other. They were playing less, communicating less, and spending all of their time on their phones."

She insists that the decision was not taken lightly. A working group was set up at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. It included representatives of the teaching staff, parents, students, educational advisers and even psychologists.

"We came to this conclusion after a year of meetings, education councils and surveys. All stakeholders were consulted," she continues. "We had the strong support of the parents. The students weren't exactly keen on it, but they recognised that something had to be done for younger pupils. Therefore, we had to make some compromises."

"Parents wanted their children to have their phones on the way to school, which is completely understandable," she states. That's why children are allowed to bring their phones into school. She also confirms that student representatives fought hard to ensure that the older children could retain their phone privileges.

As for a possible reversal of the ban, the director of the European School, Martin Wedell, declares that "the overall direction of the policy will not change." "If something goes wrong, we can always adapt the policy. We will maintain flexibility", he assures. He also mentioned a planned evaluation of the policy at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

He acknowledges the significance of the ban and anticipates some resistance: "There will certainly be some pupils who won't understand the purpose behind this decision. Convincing them will be the hardest challenge." It will require the coordinated efforts of both teachers and parents. "For us to see results, we need the support of the whole school community."

An unfamiliar return to school

Students were back at school on Tuesday for their orientation day, the day they also found out about the new restrictions in place. Some were understandably "disappointed", while others were "a little confused". "But we're going to support them," assures the deputy director by mentioning various activities planned for their leisure time.

"Some pupils were quite shocked this morning, but I think they'll understand why and they'll see the benefits," she shared. For those who disagree with the ban, she reassures that "there is room for discussion" and that "their grievances will be heard". However, until such discussions happen, there will be no transitional phase, according to Lemarié.

The new restrictions will take effect immediately this Wednesday morning. "My aim is to offer the best possible education, even if that makes me unpopular. I want this policy to be respected and it will be. Students who choose not to respect it will be penalised," she declared.

She has no doubt that other schools will follow suit in the years to come: "This is truly becoming a trend among Nordic countries, which have taken several steps back on all things to do with screens," she notes. The Director of the European School points out that neighbouring countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands have also "taken decisions along these lines". "So, we're in good company", he concluded.

Indeed, the European School is not alone in its decision in Luxembourg. Lycée Ermesinde in Mersch introduced a mobile phone ban just last year. A parliamentary petition on the subject has also recently reached the required threshold for a debate in Parliament.

Read also: France pilots school mobile phone ban