Netherlands bans students from using mobile phones at school

According to Dutch authorities, mobile phones reduce academic performance and social interaction - Illustration photo: SkyNews

Starting this new school year, when returning to school on September 2, primary school students in the Netherlands are banned from using mobile phones, smart watches and tablets at school.

From next January, the ban on students using smart devices at school will be applied to all levels of education nationwide.

According to the Dutch government , smart devices "distract" students, reducing academic performance and social interaction.

In a statement, the Dutch government said: "There is growing evidence of the harmful effects of using mobile phones in the classroom. Students are less focused and their academic performance is affected. We need to protect students from that."

The use of phones and smartwatches in schools has been a hotly debated topic in the Netherlands in recent years, with authorities arguing that schools should be able to decide for themselves, while some parent groups have lobbied for an outright ban, concerned about the impact of social media on children.

Greece and Italy have already banned mobile phones in schools, while Germany is considering a similar move.

A recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also recommends limiting the use of phones in schools.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ha-lan-cam-hoc-sinh-su-dung-dien-thoai-di-dong-o-truong-20240902225233522.htm