Netherlands to ban mobile phones from classrooms

The Netherlands announced on Tuesday that mobile phones would be banned in classrooms in an effort to prevent technology from disturbing learning.

Mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches are interfering with pupils’ studying and will be prohibited in the classroom beginning next year, according to the Dutch government.

There is increasing evidence that mobile phones have a harmful effect during lessons”, it said. “Pupils are less able to concentrate and their performance suffers.

For this reason, mobile phones, as well as tablets and smartwatches, will no longer be allowed in classrooms from January 1, 2024.