Mobile phones have caused a split in Luxembourg's parliament

The debate on banning smartphones in Luxembourg schools is gaining momentum. At a meeting in the Chamber of Deputies, Education Minister Claude Meisch announced that before Pentecost (end of May 2025), all lyceums must amend their internal rules to provide for a "physical distance" between pupils and their phones. However, the lack of a unified approach has drawn criticism from the environmental party Déi Gréng, LSAP and the Pirates.

The minister insists that each lyceum has its own needs. For example, some schools completely ban phones, while others impose restrictions only up to a certain grade. Such a flexible approach, according to the minister, better takes into account the specifics of each educational environment.

Unlike lyceums, primary schools unanimously supported a complete ban on smartphones. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the new regulations are being reviewed by the Council of State and will come into force from January 2024. In kindergartens, the screen ban will take effect from 1 January, while in extended groups ("maison relais") phones will be banned after the Easter holidays.

The Greens and Socialists criticise the lack of national consensus, believing that such decisions should be more centralised. The Pirates, meanwhile, point out that the introduction of such rules could lead to the isolation of adolescents.

The issue of smartphones in schools raises important topics: the impact of technology on education, discipline and social interactions. How Luxembourg will find the balance between freedom and restrictions will become clear in the coming months.