Bullying has become digital — and is present around the clock

In the past, bullying ended after school ended — today it accompanies students home. With smartphones and social media, Cyberbullying is possible at any time: WhatsApp, TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram create constant accessibility and visibility.

Whether insulting comments, group exposure, or hurtful memes:

• Content is spreading immediately and indefinitely
• Those affected can barely escape from it
• Teachers often only notice something when it's too late

Figures that alert

• According to the JIM Study 2023 Have round 18% of young people Has already experienced cyberbullying
• Almost every third school reports on increasing conflicts due to social media
• Affected people show more often psychological stress, school anxiety and loss of performance

Cyberbullying is therefore no longer a marginal problem — it is a central risk factor for the well-being of students.

Why smartphones exacerbate bullying

• Permanent availability: No retreat, no relaxation
• Anonymity & Disinhibition: Inhibitions fall online
• Group pressure & likes: Bullying becomes public and receives confirmation
• No room for relaxation: Even during a break or at home, the attacks do not stop

Solange smartphones anytime and anywhere can be used by children and adolescents no shelter against digital printing and bullying.

Cell phone-free zones create shelters

One of the most effective measures against cyberbullying at school is to temporarily refrain from using smartphones.

Provide cellphone-free zones or breaks:

• Recovery from digital printing
• Social interaction in real space
• Reduced conflicts & fewer escalations
• Fewer distractions and better concentration in class

Many schools are already reporting that few cellphone-free hours per day significantly improve the class climate.

This is how the implementation is successful in practice

1. Establish clear rules in school regulations
   → e.g. “Cell phones stay switched off in a case during school morning”
2. Involve parents and students early
   → Information evenings, surveys, pilot projects
3. Ensuring consistent implementation
   → e.g. with storage systems or lockable cases (LOCKSTA)
4. Accompanying prevention and education
   → Promote media literacy, class discussions, counselor
5. Evaluate regularly
   → Get feedback, adjust rules

How LOCKSTA supports schools

LOCKSTA provides lockable smartphone cases with magnetic closure, which help schools to technically enforce cellphone-free periods.

• Devices remain securely locked
• Students keep their mobile phones with them (no handover required)
• Visual signal: mobile phone is “closed” → no use possible
• Can be used flexibly for breaks, lesson times or exams

This is how everyday school life is made for everyone involved easier, fairer and safer.

conclusion

Bullying doesn't stop at the school door — it's shifting to smartphones in your pocket.
When schools Consciously create cellphone-free spaces, they break this cycle and give their students the chance to really switch off during breaks.

Digital breaks protect mental health, promote social cohesion and prevent cyberbullying.
With clear rules, education and well-thought-out solutions such as LOCKSTA, this change is easy to implement.

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