Cell phones in the classroom: European countries banning – 7/5/2023 – Education

Cell phones, tablets and smart watches will be banned from classrooms in the Netherlands, as announced by the country’s government on Tuesday (4). The measure, which aims to remove the distractions brought about by these devices, should take effect from 2024.

For now, the ban has no coercive legal effects – that is, it does not bring punishment before the law if it is not complied with. However, this may change in the future.

The rule should have some exceptions, such as for students with medical needs or disabilities who need these devices, or in classes focused on digital skills.

“While cell phones are practically intertwined with our lives, they don’t fit in the classroom,” said Dutch Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

“Students should be able to focus there and have every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that cell phones get in the way of that.”

Several studies have already shown that limiting children’s screen time improves cognition and concentration.

The Dutch government has said it will be up to schools to align detailed rules with teachers, parents and students.

The decision will be reviewed at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, when the effectiveness of the measure will be evaluated, as well as the need to bring legal effects to the ban or not.

The Netherlands’ announcement comes after a similar decision announced by Finland last week.

The new Finnish government, formed by a conservative coalition, intends to change legislation to ease restrictions on cell phones in schools – but this still needs to be approved by parliament.

In 2018, France passed a law banning the use of cell phones by students under 15 on school grounds, including during recess. However, law enforcement has faced challenges, such as students’ resistance to handing over their cell phones.

This text was originally published here.