MOBILE phones, tablets and smartwatches will be largely banned in classrooms in the Netherlands from January 1, 2024, the Dutch government announced today, as it seeks to limit anything that distracts students during lessons.

Devices will be allowed only if they are necessary, for example during digital skills classes, for medical reasons or in the case of persons with disabilities. “Although mobile phones are ubiquitous in our lives, they do not belong in classrooms,” said Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

“Students must be allowed full concentration during lessons”

“Students must be allowed full concentration during lessons and should be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge properly. Scientific research has shown that mobile phones are a distraction in classrooms and we must protect them from that.”

The ban is the result of an agreement between the ministry, schools and related organizations. Schools will be able to implement the ban in the way that suits them best, Dijkgraaf said, adding that legal rules will follow if the measure does not produce the expected results by the summer of 2024.

Source: index.hr