Smartphone addiction is a serious problem in our society. Many of us constantly check our phones, even when we need to focus on other things. This is especially true for children and teenagers who are more interested in their phones than schoolwork. The Dutch government is taking measures to solve this problem. From January 2024, smartphones, tablets and smart watches will be largely banned in classrooms in the Netherlands. This is a positive step to help students focus on their studies and learn more effectively.

Dutch government takes measures to protect students from smartphones

The Dutch government has announced that from 1 January 2024, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches will be largely banned in classrooms in the Netherlands. The ban is the result of an agreement between the ministry, schools and relevant organizations. Education Minister Robert Dijkgraaf said in a statement that the ban was necessary to prevent students from being distracted and help them focus on their studies. Scientific studies show that cell phones are a distraction.” We need to protect students from this,” he said.

The ban will only apply to smartphones that are not specifically needed for lessons. For example, smartphones can still be used for digital skills lessons or by students with an illness or disability. Schools will be responsible for enforcing the ban. However, if the ban does not produce sufficient results until the summer of 2024, legal regulations will apply.

The rule banning phones in Dutch schools may be new, but it’s already commonplace in many other parts of the world. Where I live, phones were forbidden when I was in high school. And since then, the use of phones and social networks has only increased. According to Common Sense Media, the average teen spends about 7 hours and 22 minutes on their phone each day. This includes time spent on social media, texting, playing games, watching videos and using apps. The CDC recommends that children and adolescents aged 5-17 limit screen time to 2 hours per day.