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The second phase of smartphone restrictions in schools is set to begin in Luxembourg on 2 June following measures already in place at primary level.
The negative effects of excessive screen time and social media use on mental health, physical development, and academic performance of children and young people are well documented.
In response, and to promote the well-being of all pupils and students, the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth consulted key school stakeholders and launched the Screen-Life-Balance campaign at the start of the 2024–2025 school year.
New rules on smartphone use will take effect in all secondary schools from 2 June 2025, after the Pentecost break. The ministry invited each school to choose from three levels of restriction and to agree with its school community on measures to be implemented.
Within this framework, schools could go beyond the minimum level by introducing additional measures based on local needs, such as specific age groups, time periods, or designated areas. Of the 38 secondary schools, 27 have opted to restrict the use of digital devices in other spaces (such as canteens, libraries, and social areas) or at certain times of the day.
Five schools have chosen a complete ban on smartphones throughout the entire school day, requiring pupils to hand in their devices in the morning and collect them at the end of classes.
The new regulations, will be gradually implemented from 2 June, and will also include strengthened protections against exposure to inappropriate or dangerous content on internal educational networks (Wi-Fi and wired). Additionally, access to the eduroam Wi-Fi network will be limited to students aged 15 and over within school grounds.
