The use of mobile phones, tablets and smart watches in classrooms in the Netherlands will be largely banned from January 1, 2024, in an effort to limit distractions during lessons, Reuters has reported.
The Dutch government announced the order on Tuesday and said the ban was based on a consensus reached between the ministry, schools and related organizations.
It has also been reported that these devices are only allowed to be used when specifically needed, such as during digital skills lessons, for medical reasons or for people with disabilities.
Robert Dijkgraaf, the country’s education minister, commented on this.
“Mobile phones are intertwined with our lives, but they don’t belong in the classroom. Students must be able to focus and be given the opportunity to study well. Scientific research shows that cell phones are a distraction. We must protect students from this. “
