Denmark to ban mobile phones, tablets in schools and after-school clubs for children aged 7 to 17

Denmark is set to ban mobile phones in schools and after-school clubs based on a recommendation of a government commission. The commission also found that children under 13 should not have their own smartphone or tablet.

The Danish government said it would change existing legislation to force all folkeskole–comprehensive primary and lower secondary schools–to become phone-free. This means that almost all children aged between seven and 16-17 will be required by law not to bring their phones into school.

The announcement marks a U-turn by Denmark's government, which had previously refused to introduce such a law. It comes as governments across Europe are trying to impose tighter regulations on children’s access to phones and social media.

Denmark's Legislative Shift

The Minister for Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye, announced that the government is preparing legislative amendments to enforce the ban.

The proposed law will prohibit mobile phones during lessons and breaks at primary and lower secondary schools (folkeskole), affecting children aged 7 to 17.

Schools will make exceptions for students with special educational needs, she said.

Mattias Tesfaye said a ban would mean "mobile phones and personal tablets will not be allowed at school, neither during break times nor during lessons".

"As soon as a phone enters a child's bedroom, it takes up all the space," said Rasmus Meyer, president of the commission. "It risks destroying their self-esteem.”

Denmark's Wellbeing Commission’s Findings

The commission’s research revealed that 94 per cent of young people had social media profiles before turning 13—despite age restrictions on platforms like TikTok and YouTube—and that children aged 9 to 14 spent an average of three hours daily on these platforms.

The report highlighted risks such as exposure to harmful content, pressure to remain constantly available, and unhealthy comparison cultures. It also noted that excessive screen time detracts from essential childhood activities like play, family time, and leisure pursuits.

Rasmus Meyer, chair of the commission, compared the proposed ban to earlier efforts to eliminate smoking in schools. “Once a phone enters a child’s room, it takes over their entire life,” he said. “It risks undermining their self-esteem and wellbeing.”

Denmark's School Ban Receives Broader Support but Raises Concerns

Denmark's initiative to ban phones and tablets in schools for minors has garnered support from Denmark’s Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, who stated, “Screens are robbing many of our children of their childhood.”

However, some educators have expressed reservations.

Denmark’s principals’ association has argued that many schools already have their own rules regarding phone use and fear losing autonomy over decision-making.

Denmark joins a growing list of countries addressing the impact of digital devices on young people. France introduced a similar school phone ban in 2018, while Norway has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use.