"The Luxembourg concept should serve as a blueprint for Saarland. From daycare onwards, clear guidelines and principles for media use by children and adolescents are needed," said Wagner.
The Luxembourgish initiative highlights the negative impacts of early media use on the social, psychological, and media development of toddlers, which many parents are often unaware of. Wagner emphasizes the dangers of digital interactions such as playing with smartphones, which can impair the brain development of toddlers and reduce their ability to interact socially. He refers to the recommendations of the French child psychologist Serge Tisseron, summarized in the 3-6-9-12 rule: "There should be no screen use before the age of three, no personal gaming console before six, no internet access before nine, and no social networks before twelve."
Wagner supports the Luxembourg approach and calls for similar measures in Saarland. "We also need clear guidelines for smartphone use in schools here! A mobile phone definitely has no place in elementary school!" Wagner explains, pointing out that the increasing flood of media significantly impairs children's concentration.
Additionally, the Luxembourg Ministry aims to promote genuine contact with family and friends and to place greater emphasis on time spent without computers or mobile phones. The "Screen-Life Balance" campaign includes workshops, activities, and posters, and all families of primary school children receive a letter for parents.
CDU education politician Jutta Schmitt-Lang also supports the concept from Luxembourg and calls for a comprehensive overall concept from the Saarland Ministry of Education. "Clear guidelines are needed to protect the welfare of the child. A ban on mobile phones in primary schools is essential," says Schmitt-Lang. She also advocates a general ban on mobile phones in lessons at secondary schools. After the introduction of tablets for educational purposes, there is no need for the use of private devices. While some schools have already implemented this regulation, it needs to be applied nationwide.
“Clear guidelines are needed to protect our children’s education and provide them with the best possible learning conditions,” concludes Wagner.
