Rønde School issues recommendations on children’s smartphone and social media use in Denmark

How much should children use smartphones? At what age should they get their own phone, and how should they engage with social media? These questions may be raised at the upcoming first parent meeting of the year.

At Rønde School, the school board, composed mostly of parents, has recently issued recommendations regarding children’s use of social media. The school is already mobile-free, and now the board has expanded its focus to outline guidelines for social media usage outside of school hours.

Among the key recommendations are:

– Social media accounts should adhere to age restrictions.
– Physical socializing should take precedence over online interactions.
– Social media should support the social and inclusive community within the class.
– Communication on social media must be respectful and never disparaging toward classmates.
– Class chats and online games should cease by 8:00 PM.
– Parents should be curious and engaged in their children’s activities on social media.
– Photos and videos of others should not be taken or shared without permission.

Solveig Sannem, chair of the school board, emphasizes that these recommendations are a starting point for dialogue. She acknowledges that children’s social lives are now both physical and digital and encourages parents to consider these guidelines.

The organization “Skole og Forældre” reports an increasing awareness among parents regarding social media usage. School boards are seeking assistance in establishing optimal guidelines for smartphone use among children outside of school.

Rønde School has selected specific grades—0, 2, 4, and 7—to discuss and determine how to implement these recommendations. Social media will be a topic at the first parent meetings, with the hope that fruitful discussions will lead to handling these issues effectively, just as they manage physical interactions among students.