Schools in Netherlands ban mobile phones for Dutch children

Cell phones, smart watches, and tablets are now off-limits for students in Dutch primary and secondary schools. The Dutch government describes these gadgets as a “distraction” that impacts both academic performance and social interactions.

AMSTERDAM: Schools in the Netherlands have kicked off a nationwide mobile phone ban as of Monday, for Dutch children studying in the schools.

The ban, which started this year in secondary schools, is now extending to primary schools for the new school year. The Ministry of Education in The Hague says phones are too distracting and hurt students’ focus and learning.

Phones can still be used in class if they’re needed for lessons, like media skills, or for medical reasons and disabilities. Schools are in charge of enforcing the ban, and some have found that banning phones during breaks makes the environment more sociable, with students talking to each other more, according to researcher Loes Pouwels from Radboud University.

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The decision has sparked debate in the Netherlands. Initially, some education ministers and school heads preferred local rules, and some parents believe younger children shouldn’t have smartphones at all due to the addictive nature of social media.

Ban in Greece and Italy

Other countries like Greece and Italy have similar bans, while Germany is still considering it. A recent OECD study recommended careful use of mobile phones in schools.