Netherlands: The effectiveness of the ban on phones in schools

Research by the Dutch government shows that banning smartphones in schools has positive effects on students, teachers and the classroom environment in general.

Specifically, from January 2024, the Netherlands recommended that schools not allow students to use phones in class, and most schools complied. Nearly two-thirds of secondary schools required students to leave their phones at home or in lockers; only one-fifth of schools allowed students to use phones at the beginning of class.

The study surveyed more than 600 schools and conducted 12 focus groups with stakeholders. Results showed that 75% of secondary schools reported more focused students, 59% noted an improved social environment, and 28% saw improvements in academic performance.

According to Dr. Alexander Krepel from the Kohnstamm Institute, not using phones helps students increase face-to-face conversations and improves social safety when behaviors such as secretly filming or distributing photos are limited.

Despite initial resistance from teachers, parents and students, all sides now see the positive impact of the policy. “Everyone is quite happy with the new policy now,” confirmed Freya Sixma, spokesperson for the VO-raad Secondary Education Council.

With 96% of Dutch children going online every day, the government continues to recommend limiting social media for children under 15, while also considering a complete ban on phones at school.

According to The Guardian

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/ha-lan-hieu-qua-tu-lenh-cam-dien-thoai-trong-truong-hoc-post738973.html