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Phone ban.
From January 1, 2024, a new national rule applies: the phone ban. Secondary school pupils may no longer use mobile phones in class. Tablets and smartwatches are also not allowed during lessons. From the 2024-2025 school year, children in primary school and in special education and special primary education will also not be allowed to use these devices.
National rule
The phone ban is a national rule and applies to all schools in the Netherlands, except for children with special needs. Schools must decide if this ban also applies to the rest of the school building and how they will make sure pupils follow the new rules.
Agreements with teachers, pupils and parents must make sure everyone knows what is allowed and what is not. If the school rules about the ban on smartphones, smartwatches and tablets are not clear, ask the school management.
Bad for learning
Experts see that pupils can focus better on lessons without a mobile device in class. Research shows that apps on these devices, like social media and messaging apps, distract pupils and stop contact between pupils.
Social contact
According to researchers, smartphones in class also harm the atmosphere between pupils. There is more competition and pupils have less direct contact with each other, which is bad for social development. Important skills like standing up for yourself, seeing things from others’ view and the will to agree suffer. A phone ban also lowers bullying, research shows.
Exceptions
Ouders & Onderwijs director Lobke Vlaming joined a focus group in 2024 about phones in class in the House of Representatives. She supports a required school policy with a ‘no, unless’ approach: no phones, unless there are strong reasons to allow it. The politicians agreed. Pupils with special health or educational needs can get an exception. Talk to the school if this applies to your child.
Another exception is when the device is used for lessons, such as a media literacy lesson.
If you have problems with the phone ban, contact our advice point.
Related Subjects
Phone ban
Smartphones, tablets and smartwatches cannot be used in class from 2024.
Lees meerVerwijdering
Scholen kunnen een leerling in een aantal gevallen verwijderen van school. De procedure voor verwijdering van leerlingen is wettelijk vastgelegd.
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