Austria's new Education Minister, Christoph Wiederkehr, has proposed a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools up to the eighth grade.

While many schools already have similar rules, the minister aims to standardize the policy to improve focus and reduce distractions.

Supporters, including addiction experts, argue that such bans enhance academic performance and social skills, while reducing issues like cyberbullying.

Critics, however, label the move as "symbolic politics," noting that most schools already regulate phone use.

Students and teachers are divided, with some seeing the ban as beneficial and others questioning its practicality.

Exceptions for educational use and local decisions on implementation are planned.