United States: Court ruling in Florida: towards a ban on social networks for minors?

Court ruling: towards a ban on social networks for minors?
by Andy R., android-mt.ouest-france.fr/, June 5, 2025 - auto-translation

A high-profile Florida law aimed at banning minors under the age of 14 from accessing social media platforms has just suffered a major setback. A federal judge has ordered its temporary suspension, reigniting the thorny debate over child protection in the digital age versus the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. This American decision resonates particularly strongly as many countries, including France, are considering the best way to regulate the use of social media by young people.

In brief:

• Florida law banning social media for children under 14 suspended by judge
• Concerns about violation of freedom of expression have been raised by the courts
• This type of debate on regulating minors' access to social networks is also lively in France. 

Florida's Attempt to Disconnect Young Users

In the spring of 2025, the state of Florida made a splash by adopting some of the strictest legislation in the United States regarding minors' access to social media. HB1, in particular, provided for an outright ban on the creation of accounts on many platforms for children under the age of 14. For adolescents aged 14 and 15, explicit parental consent became necessary. The stated objective of Florida lawmakers was clear: to protect young people from the effects deemed harmful by social media, such as cyberbullying, mental health problems (anxiety, depression, damaged self-image), or exposure to inappropriate or dangerous content.

Switzerland: Mobile phone ban at schools: a first step towards protection - but the basic problem remains unattended

Mobile phone ban at schools: a first step towards protection - but the basic problem remains unattended
Sources: Wiler newspaper; ajour.ch and pomona.ch, posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, 1st June 2025 - translation

Nidwalden intervenes: As the first German-Swiss canton, it passes a uniform ban on private digital devices in schools. Meanwhile, other cantons continue to rely on self-responsibility - ignoring a central question: What role does the influence of radiation play in school?

Starting from the new school year, children and young people will no longer be allowed to use private phones, tablets and laptops in Nidwalden on the school premises. Exceptions are for educational purposes or emergencies only. The Directorate of Education justifies this decision with the increasing use of such devices and the desire to promote conscious use. The new regulation applies to both primary and secondary schools.

Switzerland: Radiation free school? – Why the call for cell phone bans is getting louder

Radiation free school? – Why the call for cell phone bans is getting louder
Sources: Central Plus and Blick.ch, posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, 23 May 2025 - DeepL translation

The debate about cell phones in schools is currently more topical than ever - and shines a bright light on a blind spot in the education and health system: the lack of awareness of the potential health effects of constant digital exposure and social overstimulation. While politicians, psychologists and educators discuss psychological stress and media education strategies, one thing remains largely unaddressed - the issue of electrosmog.

In Zug, parliamentarians of all parties called for legal clarity for mobile phone-free school zones. The reason: the mental health of young people is deteriorating rapidly. Cyberbullying, constant pressure to present themselves and constant digital distraction not only endanger learning success, but also mental stability. But the government waves the issue away: existing rules are sufficient, schools should decide for themselves in individual cases. However, school psychologist Stephan Kälin warns against mere coercion - and relies on dialog, role models and intrinsic motivation (intrinsic motivation means that the drive to carry out an activity comes from within).

New York State: Smartphones Are Finally Getting Expelled

Smartphones Are Finally Getting Expelled

By John Herrman, a tech columnist at Intelligencer, nymag.com, 8 May 2025

Starting at the beginning of the 2025–26 school year, New York public and charter schools will be implementing plans for “bell-to-bell” smartphone bans, which prohibit the “unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day.” If you’re a New York student and the plan’s various small exceptions don’t apply to you, your phone will be going in the bag (or the box, or the cubby, or the office).

Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

New York is far from the first state to implement smartphone restrictions in schools, but it’s the largest to go so far, and its ban marks a tipping point: Whatever you think of the broad, bipartisan, passionate, but also sort of disorganized and confused campaign to ban smartphones from classrooms, it’s winning. More than half of American states have something on the books, while more than a dozen have policies that resemble outright bans, many of which will go into effect next year. France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Brazil all have national bans of some sort, and countless other countries are close behind.

Continue reading:

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/smartphones-are-finally-getting-expelled-from-class.html

France: Banning smartphones from secondary schools: a public health measure

Banning smartphones from secondary schools: a public health measure
By : Phonegate Team • 14 Apr 2025

During the Senate’s topical questions to the government on April 9, 2025, concerning the ban on smartphones in secondary schools, French Education Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed the extension to all secondary schools of the “digital break” from September 2025. This announcement follows a question from Senator François Bonhomme (LR), concerned about the “harmful use” of cell phones among young people.

This initiative builds on Law n°2018-698 of August 3, 2018, which already banned the use of mobile phones in kindergartens, elementary schools and secondary schools during school hours, while allowing students to keep them on their person. The move to a total ban (deposit in secure lockers) marks a further step towards this “digital break” deemed necessary for the well-being of young people.

Educational and social benefits of banning smartphones in secondary school

The experiment conducted in 190 secondary schools since September 2024 is showing convincing results. Feedback points to an improved school climate (less tension, greater social interaction) and better student concentration.

“The longer you keep your smartphone within reach, the lower your attention span and learning performance. There’s no longer any doubt about it“, stresses Prof. Klaus Zierer.

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation: a neglected health imperative

Scientific data reveal underestimated dangers requiring a more ambitious political response and enhanced government action:

Continue reading:
https://phonegatealert.org/en/banning-smartphones-from-secondary-schools-a-public-health-measure/

United States: Petition to the FDA to protect children from wireless radiation in schools

Would you like to do something about wireless radiation in schools?
Posted on March 19, 2025 by LVsA

If you’re a parent or grandparent, teacher or administrator, or belong to an organization concerned with the welfare of children, you can sign on as a petitioner! Just visit the ART website and add your name before midnight on Tuesday, March 25th.

And thank you!

Read and Join the Petition to the FDA

Americans for Responsible Technology – 19mar2025.

The Dutch ban on mobile phones at schools - praise and criticism of a controversial measure

The Dutch ban on mobile phones at schools - praise and criticism of a controversial measure

weltwoche.ch

A year after the introduction of the mobile phone ban in schools in the Netherlands, a shared picture appears. While teachers and parents report positive effects, key points of criticism and long-term radiation exposure due to limited smartphones usage. questions remain unclear. An often overlooked aspect of the discussion: the possible reduction of  radiation exposure due to limited smartphones usage.

Success: More attention, less bullying

Teachers report more attentive behavior of students and an improvement in social interaction when they don't use smartphones in school everyday life. According to the NZZ, cyberbullying has also decreased significantly, as conflicts no longer escalate digitally. Parents evaluate the ban in top-scoring surveys, and many teachers also appreciate the quieter atmosphere in school everyday life.

Austria: Carinthia plans to ban cell phones in public schools - critics warn against radiation risks

Why is there only talk about cell phone use in class, but not about potential health risks caused by radiation?

Austria: Carinthia plans to ban cell phones in public schools - critics warn against radiation risks

kurier.at, January 2025 - autotranslation

In Kärnten, in the future, a mobile phone ban will apply at public schools to promote children's ability to concentrate. Regulated use for 10 to 14 year olds is also discussed. Education correspondent Daniel Fellner (SPÖ) is also seeking a uniform regulation nationwide.

While some federal states are skeptical and prefer to leave individual solutions to schools, critics are demanding a more fundamental debate: Why is there only talk about cell phone use in class, but not about potential health risks caused by radiation? Studies on the effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on children exist, but many scientists warn that long-term consequences are still unclear.

Radiation critics are therefore demanding not only a ban on the use, but also stricter rules for Wi-Fi and mobile radio radiation in schools. Instead of just regulating children's behavior, it should also be examined what health risks arise from the increasing digitization in educational institutions.
Source: Kurier
"Österreich: Kärnten plant Handyverbot an Volksschulen – Kritiker warnen vor Strahlungsrisiken"

United Kingdom: Council becomes first in country to ban smartphones from all its schools - new rule will affect 60,000 pupils

Council becomes first in country to ban smartphones from all its schools - new rule will affect 60,000 pupils
By ADAM POGRUND, dailymail.co.uk, 15 February 2025 | Updated: 17 February 2025

A London council has become the first in the country to ban smartphones from all of its schools, in a new rule which will affect more than 60,000 pupils.

School pupils in Barnet, north London, will be banned from bringing phones into their classrooms from September.

There are 103 primary schools and 23 secondary schools in Barnet which will prohibit their students from bringing in smartphones, according to the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) charity.

All schools in the north London borough will also send letters to parents recommending they do not give their children smartphones until they are at least 14 and that they should restrict social media until 16.

Parents will be encouraged to give their children 'brick' phones for travel safety.

Barnet is the first council to include secondary schools in a phone ban. Meanwhile, Ealing, St Albans, Cambridgeshire, Petersfield and Hampshire have prohibited phone use in primary schools

SFC said the 'groundbreaking policy' will mean over 63,000 state-educated children will benefit from a seven-hour window in the day where they can 'learn, socialise and grow, free from addictive algorithms.'

Nova Eden, the charity's regional leader for north London, said: 'There is a lot of evidence to show there is a direct correlation and causative link between the use of smartphones and social media in young children and the rise in cases of depression, anxiety and self-harm.'

Continue reading:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14400503/Council-ban-smartphones-schools-new-rule.html

Criticism of radiation and digital manipulation: How tech giants threaten childhood and society

Read what Jonathan Haidt had to say at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, January 2025: "How to make the 'anxious generation' happy again"

Criticism of radiation and digital manipulation: How tech giants threaten childhood and society
Tagesanzeiger.ch, February 2025 - auto-translation

The talk by US psychologist Jonathan Haidt at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has sparked an intense discussion about the effects of smartphones and social media on children and young people. His core message: Smartphones and platforms like TikTok or Instagram permanently damage the mental and physical health of children. It is worth a critical look not only at the social and psychological consequences, but also at the potential health risks caused by electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation exposure in children's daily life

The increasing smartphone use by children and adolescents poses not only social and psychological, but also physical risks. Studies have already pointed out the potentially harmful effects of mobile radio radiation several times, especially in prolonged and repeated use. Due to thinner skull bones and a still developing brain, children's heads absorb even more radiation than adults. Although the long-term consequences remain controversial, the scientific debate shows a caution towards chronic radiation exposure.

Social media as a "poison for the brain"

Germany: Lesch & Zierer call for a smartphone ban and an educational turnaround

Lesch & Zierer call for a smartphone ban and an educational turnaround

diagnose-funk.org, 5 February 2025 - deepl translation

Lesch and Zierer

Harald Lesch, professor of physics at LMU Munich and prominent science communicator, and Klaus Zierer, professor of school education at the University of Augsburg, are calling for a revolution in the education system to overcome the catastrophic situation. In a 45-minute program on NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) and their joint book “Gute Bildung sieht anders aus” (“Good education looks different”), they explain why immediate action is needed. Social scientist Prof. Tim Engartner also calls for a change in his book “Raus aus der Bildungsfalle. Why we are endangering the future of our children”. Education policy must free itself from the influence of industry. He states: “The digitalization of education is not the solution, but part of the problem."

In the NDR program, the presenter asks Lesch & Zierer: “Nobody needs the digital pact, we need a pencil and paper pact!” (from minute 27:15) This leads to a discussion about the experiences and studies on the effect of digital media on children's learning. The conclusion of the two experts: We need a ban on cell phones at least up to and including elementary school. The use of cell phones at school and in lessons destroys attention, and concentration, and prevents social contact. Bans, with pedagogical support, immediately create a better school and learning environment.

Digital devices in primary school: educational tools or radiation source?

 

Article from Germany about the use of digital devices in schools. It makes the excellent point that health aspects of exposure to radiation from these devices and Wi-Fi are seldom discussed.

Digital devices in primary school: educational tools or radiation source?

Frankenpost, 19 January 2025 - translation

The increasing use of smartphones and tablets in elementary school not only raises questions about media literacy, but also about health safety. According to a Bitkom study, 17% of children of primary school age already have their own cell phone and 42% have a tablet.

This means that many children are exposed to electromagnetic radiation from mobile devices at an early age - an aspect that has unfortunately received little attention to date.

Early contact: what are the risks?

Ireland: Growing up without your own smartphone

This article includes a discussion of smartphone bans in primary and secondary schools in Europe.

Mobile phone ban in Ireland - Growing up without your own smartphone
by Michael Gerber, srf,ch, 22 Dec. 2024 - auto-translation

Children should be allowed to be children again – spared from social media and cyberbullying. This is what many parents and schools in Ireland want, who have agreed to ban smartphones.

(Photo): Rachel (left) and her sister Jane snack on homemade strawberry cake. RTS

It's afternoon snack time for 10-year-old Jane and her 8-year-old sister Rachel. The two girls have baked a strawberry cake, which their mother Christina Capatina cuts into pieces and distributes.

Rachel and Jane could score points on Instagram and other social media with their strawberry cake. But the girls don't have smartphones to post pictures of it. "Other children find it hard. I can live well without a smartphone," says Rachel. "The whole world doesn't need to see this strawberry cake."

Voluntary renunciation is becoming more common

Switzerland: Massive restriction of use of cell phones in Entfelden school district

No cell phones in classrooms and on school playgrounds - this is the initial conclusion after three months

by Katja Schlegel, aargauerzeitung.ch, 4 Nov. 2024 - auto-translation

With the start of the new school year, the Entfelden district school has massively restricted the use of cell phones. Principal Darius Scheuzger talks about the positive effects and challenges.

(Photo): Cell phones on the playground: there are no more pictures like this in Unter- and Oberentfelden. Theme picture: Reto Martin

Cell phone bans at schools - it was the big topic after the summer vacations. Baden, for example, imposed such a ban on all 1,100 pupils at the Burghalde upper school; smartphones have had to stay at home since this school year. The Entfelden district school was not quite as strict, but cell phone use was also massively restricted here: since August, cell phones and other electronic devices must remain switched off during lessons, including breaks. This applies to all school areas - and school levels, so it doesn't just affect the upper school, but all 1682 schoolchildren from Ober- and Unterentfelden.

Wireless Radiation: the Elephant in the Classroom - November 9, 2024 - Forest Row, United Kingdom

Wireless Radiation: the Elephant in the Classroom - November 9, 2024 - Forest Row, United Kingdom

Evidence-based conference on biological impacts of wireless radiation on children, adults and wildlife, with expert advice on mitigation.

There will be two presentations from leading experts on biological impacts of wireless radiation, particularly on children, with a focus on mitigation strategies for schools. There will be a break for refreshments, a Question and Answer session, and a mitigation workshop from an engineering expert.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wireless-radiation-the-elephant-in-the-classroom-tickets-1014326486827

All proceeds from the event will be used to cover costs with any additional funds donated to the non-profit Environmental Health Trust.

United Kingdom: Fight begins to make mobile-free schools law

Fight begins to make mobile-free schools law
by Vanessa Clarke, Education reporter, BBC News, and Branwen Jeffreys Education Editor, BBC News•@branwenjeffreys, 15 Oct. 2024, bbc.com

Getty Images

Calls are growing to ban smartphones in schools in England by law, as education experts and unions back an MP’s attempt to push a new law through Parliament.

Children “doomscrolling for hours a day” is causing widespread harm, according to Josh MacAlister, the Labour MP and former teacher behind the private member's bill being introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on phone use, after government guidance was introduced earlier this year.

But Mr MacAlister wants to turn the guidance into law, as well as bringing in what he calls “seatbelt legislation” for children’s social-media use.

Switzerland: Top Swiss education official not a fan of phones in schools

Top Swiss education official not a fan of phones in schools
swissinfo.ch, 25 September 2024

The head of the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education, Silvia Steiner, said in an interview that smartphones have brought about a decline in interpersonal communication abilities.

(Photo): Are younger people unlearning the ability to talk to each other? Keystone-SDA

However, Steiner does not believe a general ban, to be imposed by politicians, is necessary, she told the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper on Wednesday.

Most schools already have clear regulations on the use of mobile phones and schools have to make their own decisions in this regard, she says. However, personally she doesn’t see the need for phones in class or the schoolyard.

United States: Mobile Phone Ban Sweeps American Schools

Do Not Disturb: Mobile Phone Ban Sweeps American Schools
newsweek.com, Sep 22, 2924 Updated Sep 23, 2024

Cellphone bans are becoming commonplace in U.S. schools, with numerous states bringing in restrictions on children having devices on them during education hours.

(Photo): A composite image created by Newsweek. More and more states are beginning to act on phone usage in schools. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty

The debate over phones in schools has been ongoing since they became a significant part of everyday life in the mid-2000s. These days you would struggle to find many American teenagers who don't own some sort of device, with parents usually giving their child their own phone when they are 13 years old, according to research by Prodigy Education.

Australia plans a minimum age limit for social media use

Australia plans a minimum age limit for social media use
By Reuters, CNN, 10 September 2024

Australia intends to set a minimum age limit for children to use social media, citing concerns about mental and physical health. The plan has sparked backlash from digital rights advocates who warn the measure could drive dangerous online activity underground.

(Photo):  The law would put Australia among the first countries in the world to impose an age restriction on social media. Keiko Iwabuchi/Moment RF/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his center-left government would run an age verification trial before introducing age minimum laws for social media this year.

Albanese didn’t specify an age but said it would likely be between 14 and 16.

United Kingdom: One of England's biggest school academy trusts to ban phone use

Ormiston Academies Trust confirmed to the BBC it was phasing out access to smartphones for around 35,000 pupils at its 42 state schools across the country.

One of England's biggest school academy trusts to ban phone use
by Vincent McAviney & Mallory Moench, BBC News, 14 September 2024

One of the chain's secondary schools
is already phone-free

One of England's largest school academy trusts is set to ban phones during the school day.

Ormiston Academies Trust confirmed to the BBC it was phasing out access to smartphones for around 35,000 pupils at its 42 state schools across the country.

A spokesperson for the trust told the BBC that "teaching and learning, behaviour and children’s mental health are all impacted negatively by mobile phones".

Earlier this year, the Department for Education under the previous Conservative government updated its advice on mobile phones to give school leaders in England the power to ban their use during the school day.