From the 2025/2026 school year, Hesse is leading legally enshrined smartphone protection zones at all Schools one. The aim of this new regulation is to regulate the use of private digital devices such as smartphones and smartwatches in school buildings and on school grounds, to reduce distractions and to improve the learning climate. But what rules apply in practice, what does that mean for teachers and students — and how can products like LOCKSTA help implement the new requirements in practice?

Why Hesse is acting now: Problems & background

• Concentration & performance suffer from constant smartphone use. Distraction in class, online content, push messages, etc. impair learning processes.
• Mental health & social relationships: According to the article, some content on social media is disturbing, online presence can make you lonely, real company and side by side is disrupted. kultus.hessen.de
• media literacy should be strengthened — not only the ban, but also a reflected use of digital devices is becoming part of school education in Hesse. kultus.hessen.de

What exactly does the draft law say?

The most important provisions as they are introduced in Hesse:

What are the opportunities and challenges?

Opportunities:

• More peace in class → better learning conditions
• Improved attention and concentration
• Social interaction & break quality are increasing, as not everyone just looks at their mobile phones
• Media literacy becomes a thematic part — thoughtful use instead of a blanket ban

challenges:

• Enforcement & control in practice — what about violations and exceptions?
• Acceptance among students & parents — how is it explained, accepted?
• Need for devices or solutions that technically or organizationally support the ban

How LOCKSTA can help

This is where LOCKSTA comes in — with solutions that act exactly at the interface between legal requirements and practical implementation. For example:

• mobile phone cases with magnetic closure can help private use visible and tangible to make. If the case remains closed, private use is prevented.
• For secondary schools: There may be an easing of the rules in defined areas (e.g. high school) — LOCKSTA solutions can be used flexibly here (e.g. different cases or locations, filing systems).
• In situations where cell phones are restricted (for digital teaching projects), clear, closed storage outside these hours is useful.

Practical tips: implementation in school

1. Clearly define and communicate rules: Revise school regulations, involve parents and students.
2. Define shelters: Which areas are protected zones? What are the exceptions?
3. Use technical and organizational tools: e.g. LockSta cases, safe storage (boxes, cabinets), regular checks.
4. Train teachers: Media literacy, dealing with breaches of rules, clear processes.
5. Evaluation & feedback: How do students and teachers react? What works well, what needs to be adjusted?

Conclusion & outlook

Hesse is taking a big step with the introduction of smartphone protection zones in all schools. This law could have a model effect — both for other federal states and for educational institutions in general.

For schools and managers, this means: Now is the time to prepare — to rethink rules, seek support and find solutions that make the law viable.

For providers such as LOCKSTA It means: Become visible as a partner who is not only sales-oriented but also offers schools real added value. If your school needs help with implementation — with products, concepts or advice — contact us. Together, we can ensure that school is once again a place where learning is possible without distractions.

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