Study finds smartphone bans in Dutch schools improved focus

AMSTERDAM: A ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices in Dutch schools has improved focus among students, a study commissioned by the Dutch government found.

Three-quarters of the 317 surveyed high schools reported that the ban has had a positive effect on students’ concentration. Additionally, nearly two-thirds noted an improvement in the social climate within their schools, and one-third observed better academic performance among students.

“Less distraction, more attention to the lesson, and more social students. No more mobile phones in the classroom is having wonderful positive effects. It’s great that schools are putting their shoulders to the wheel on this,” State Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Marielle Paul said.

The smartphone ban has been in place since January 1, 2024, and also applies to primary schools.

Typically, students only begin bringing phones to school in the final years of primary school and the survey, released late on Thursday, found the impact there was minimal.

Most schools allow exceptions for devices needed for medical support, such as hearing aids connected to a mobile device.

According to the BBC, the ban is not legally enforceable but may become so in the future.

“Even though mobile phones are almost intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom,” said Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

“Students must be able to concentrate there and be given every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt this.”