At a time when smartphones are omnipresent, many schools are faced with the challenge of creating a cellphone-free environment. In addition to educational and social aspects, the economic side also plays a decisive role: Which investments are necessary and which solutions offer long-term cost advantages? In this article, we compare the economic implications of various approaches, including collecting cell phones, cell phone cabinets, and lockable cell phone cases such as LOCKSTA.

1. Collecting cell phones: The seemingly cheapest solution

Cost factors

At first glance, collecting cell phones seems to be the cheapest solution, as there are no purchase costs. However, there are hidden costs that are often overlooked:

• Teachers' time spent: Teachers must invest time collecting, safely storing, and returning cell phones. This lost lesson time has indirect costs.
• Security risks: Cell phones that are collected in open baskets or boxes are vulnerable to theft or damage. Any liability issues could result in additional costs.

Long-term assessment

Although collecting cell phones is inexpensive, it results in increased administrative costs and security risks, which put the benefits into perspective.

2. Cell phone cabinets: Safe but expensive

Cost factors

Cell phone cabinets are a common solution for safely storing smartphones. However, the costs are significant:

• Acquisition: A modern cell phone cabinet costs between 1,000 and 5,000 euros, depending on the size and functions.
• installation: Many cabinets require fixed installation, which entails additional costs.
• maintenance: Keys or codes must be replaced or managed regularly, which generates further costs.

Long-term assessment

While cell phone cabinets offer security, the high purchase and maintenance costs make them an expensive and often inflexible solution.

3. Lockable cell phone cases: The cost-effective alternative

Cost factors

Cell phone cases such as LOCKSTA offer a simple and inexpensive way to keep cell phones safe:

• One-time purchase: The costs per case are around 20-30 euros, depending on the quantity and individual adjustments (e.g. school logo).
• No running costs: Once purchased, there is no additional expenditure on maintenance or administration.
• longevity: The cases can be used over several years as students keep them throughout their school years.

Long-term assessment

Compared to other solutions, phone cases are not only cheaper but also more flexible. Students remain responsible for their devices, which saves additional administrative costs.

4. Overall comparison of solutions

5. Why phone cases are the best choice

Cell phone cases such as LOCKSTA impress with their ideal price-performance ratio:

• Cost efficiency: One-time investments with no ongoing costs.
• Flexibility: Students keep their devices and teachers don't have to spend valuable time managing them.
• Safety: Smartphones are protected against theft and damage without the need for additional infrastructure.
• Personal responsibility: Students learn to store their devices responsibly.

Conclusion: An economic decision for the future

Choosing the right solution for a cellphone-free school depends on the school's needs and resources. While collecting cell phones is seemingly inexpensive, it is inefficient in the long term. Cell phone cabinets offer security but are expensive and inflexible. Phone cases such as LOCKSTA offer an optimal balance of cost, safety and practicality and are therefore the most economical solution for schools that want to create a modern and disruption-free learning environment.

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