Swiss canton sticks to primary school phone restrictions

“I must not scroll in the classroom”: strict rules in Nidwalden. Keystone-SDA

When primary schools start back after the summer break in canton Nidwalden, new rules introduced last year will continue to apply: mobile phones are only for educational purposes and emergencies.

Since August 1, 2025, mobiles, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices have no longer been permitted on primary school premises in the canton during lessons or break times. Exceptions apply if the devices are needed for lessons or emergencies.

The new guidelines have “created a uniform, cantonal framework”, Patrick Meier from the canton’s department for schools and sport told the Keystone-SDA news agency. As most schools in the canton already had similar rules in place, the step did not come as “a fundamental change”, and “overall responses have been positive”.

The canton deliberately avoids referring to a “mobile phone ban”. That would be an oversimplification, Meier said. The aim is to establish guidelines for the use of electronic devices in lessons and school. At the same time, the promotion of media literacy remains on the curriculum. “Pupils should learn to use digital devices where they are educationally appropriate,” Meier added.

Isolated breaches

There are no specific figures on breaches, as these are not recorded canton-wide, Meier said. However, feedback from schools indicated that the guidelines were being “largely” respected, he added, referring to “isolated” breaches.

The regulation of mobile phones in schools has also been a topic of discussion in other central Swiss cantons. But Nidwalden remains the only one with comprehensive guidelines. Elsewhere in Central Switzerland, schools decide for themselves on the relevant rules; some have introduced bans.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.