Dutch Schools' Phone Ban Has Improved Learning, Study Finds

Smartphone bans in Dutch schools have improved the learning environment despite initial protests, according to a study commissioned by the government.

- Senay Boztas

A national guideline issued in January 2024 recommended banning smartphones from classrooms and nearly all schools have complied. Almost two-thirds of secondary schools ask pupils to leave their phones at home or put them in lockers, while at one in five schools phones are handed in at the start of the lesson.

Researchers surveyed 317 secondary school leaders and 313 primary schools and conducted 12 focus group interviews with teachers, pupils, and parents. Secondary schools reported pupils found it easier to concentrate (75%), the social environment was better (59%), and some said results had improved (28%).