Using smartphones in everyday school life is an ongoing issue: Distractions, disruptions and unauthorized recordings not only affect teaching, but also students' social interaction. Many schools are looking for a solution that creates mobile phone freedom without unnecessarily burdening school operations. Two frequently discussed approaches include lockable cell phone cases and the use of jammers. But which option is more practicable, safer and makes more sense in the long term?

The challenge: smartphones in everyday school life

Smartphones offer many benefits but are often a source of distraction in the classroom. Students use their devices to write messages, play games, or be active on social media — mostly unnoticed. Studies show that up to 86% of students use their smartphones in class. This not only leads to falling concentration, but also to conflicts, for example as a result of unauthorised photo or video recordings.

School administrators therefore have the question: How do we create a mobile-free environment that focuses on learning without losing sight of the needs of students and teachers?

Option 1: Lockable phone cases (e.g. LOCKSTA)

How does it work?

With phone cases such as LOCKSTA students are offered a practical and modern solution:

• Single issue: Each student receives their own case, which remains in their possession for the entire school period.
• Everyday use: Students bring their cases every day, put their smartphones in and lock them at the start of the school day.
• Opening stations: At the end of the day, students unlock the cases themselves at special stations.
• Emergencies: Teachers have mobile openers with them to ensure quick access in an emergency.

Benefits of phone cases

• Safety: The smartphones remain in the possession of the students and are protected against loss or damage.
• Cost efficiency: One-off purchase costs make this solution cost-effective in the long term.
• Flexibility: Students can use the cases at any time without disrupting school operations.
• Easy to implement: No technical effort and ready for immediate use.
• Legally harmless: Mobile phone cases meet all legal requirements, without restrictions as with technical solutions.

Option 2: jammer

How do jammers work?

Jammer stations emit frequencies that block mobile and WLAN signals. As a result, smartphones become unusable in a specific area.

Benefits of jammers

• Technical isolation: Smartphones cannot make phone calls or access the Internet.
• Minimal effort: No physical handling of devices as with cases.

Disadvantages of jammers

• Legal restrictions: In Germany, the use of jammers in schools is prohibited by law (SECTION 149 TKG).
• High costs: Installing and maintaining such systems is expensive.
• No differentiation: Teachers, emergency call systems, or other important devices are also affected.
• No security: Devices can still be stolen or damaged.

Investment and profitability

Cost comparison

Phone cases:
The one-time investment in lockable cell phone cases is compared to technical solutions such as jammers significantly cheaper. Schools that opt for systems such as LOCKSTA benefit from a simple and sustainable solution that does not incur ongoing maintenance costs.

Jammer:
The purchase and installation of jammers are not only expensive, but also barely enforceable due to their legal status in Germany.

Long-term benefits of phone cases

With cell phone cases, schools are creating a solution that can be used in the long term: Students keep their cases for the entire school period and bring them with them every day. As a result, follow-up costs are minimized and implementation remains economical even for large schools.

Safety: A decisive factor

Another key factor in the decision is security:

• Phone cases like LOCKSTA: Students' devices remain securely stored, protected from loss and accessible in an emergency.
• Jammer: While blocking usage, they do not provide physical protection against theft or damage. In addition, important calls or messages could not be made in emergencies.

Conclusion: Why cell phone cases are the better solution

For schools that are looking for an effective and legally harmless solution, lockable cell phone cases such as LOCKSTA The clear choice. They offer:

• A cost-effective and long-term solution.
• Security and flexibility when using smartphones.
• Easy integration into everyday school life.

While jammers appear to be technically interesting, they cannot be implemented in practice and have many disadvantages.

LOCKSTA combines safety, simplicity and efficiency — the perfect solution for schools that want to return the focus to learning.