The Netherlands has officially implemented a ban on the use of mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets in primary and secondary schools nationwide, starting Monday.
This new regulation aims to address concerns about the negative impact of these devices on students’ academic performance and social interactions, according to local media reports.
Previously, secondary schools in the Netherlands had introduced their own bans starting in January, but the new rule extends this prohibition to all levels of education, including primary schools.
The Dutch government stated that “there is growing evidence that mobile phones in the classroom are harmful,” citing reduced concentration and poorer academic results as key reasons for the ban.
This move aligns the Netherlands with other European countries such as Greece and Italy, which have already established similar bans.
Germany is also considering a similar policy following a recent recommendation from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which suggested limiting phone use in educational settings to improve student outcomes.