From the start of the 2025 school year, the use of smartphones, smart watches and other connected devices will be banned in all primary and secondary schools in Belgium's German-speaking Community. A similar ban is already in effect in the country's French-speaking schools.
The ban will apply not only during classes but also during breaks, announced the German-speaking Education Minister Jérôme Franssen on Friday. It aims to "minimise distractions and create a favourable learning environment while encouraging positive social interaction."
Additionally, the strengthening of media and information literacy should enable pupils to develop responsible and safe use of mobile devices and social media, said Franssen's office.
The practical implementation, definition of exceptions and disciplinary management of the ban are left to the discretion of each school, which has sufficient time (until late August, early September 2025) to prepare for the implementation of the measure.
Protect young people's well-being
The Community's Kaleido, the centre for the healthy development of children and young people, is available to help schools develop in-house concepts if required.
In French-speaking primary schools in Wallonia and Brussels, a similar ban on smartphones has been in force since the start of this school year. In secondary schools, their use is strongly discouraged. The measure was unveiled in July and aims to "better protect young people's mental well-being" as phones are believed to be detrimental to sleep and concentration and also exacerbate bullying.
