Starting August 1st, 2025, the Swiss Canton of Nidwalden bans phones in schools.
Students in this canton will no longer be allowed to use their mobile phones or other electronic devices such as tablets or laptops at school unless it’s for a lesson or in an emergency. The new rules apply to all public primary schools in the canton and aim to reduce distractions and support healthier social interactions among students.
Sources: SWI swissinfo.ch and SRF.ch (May 5, 2025)
Swiss Canton Of Nidwalden bans phones in primary schools
According to the Nidwalden Department of Education, more and more students have been bringing devices to school, which has led to challenges in classrooms and with peer relationships. In response, education officials and school leaders have agreed on a set of clear, uniform rules for all schools.
Under the new guidelines, phones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices must be kept away during class and breaks. If a student breaks the rules, a teacher can take the device until the end of the lesson. If it happens again, disciplinary action is possible.
While Nidwalden’s education department recognizes the benefits of technology, they believe it’s important for children to learn how to use it responsibly. Teachers are expected to include digital topics in age-appropriate ways—such as internet safety, privacy, cyberbullying, and digital responsibility.
Meanwhile, other cantons in central Switzerland, including Schwyz, Lucerne, and Zug, have chosen not to introduce similar regulations. These regions argue that schools are already handling the issue well and that each school should be free to set its own rules.
We are curious to hear what you think about the Swiss Canton of Nidwalden banning phones and other personal devices in primary schools…
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