Parents: Mobiles Allowed At School, Not In Class.
A ban on mobile phones in class can count on support from a majority of parents. A ban on mobile phones in the entire school is not seen as favorable by most. This comes from a short poll among 500 parents in the Landelijk Ouderpanel.
61% support mobile phone ban in class
More than six out of ten parents support a ban on mobile phones in class. They often point to the distraction and unrest caused by mobile phones. A quarter of parents do not think a ban is a good idea. They say it is important that children learn to use smartphones wisely themselves.
Mobile phones not in class, but allowed in school
Parents are less positive about a ban on mobile phones in the entire school. More than half of the parents do not think a general ban in school is a good idea. On the other hand, more than a third would prefer to see a ban on mobile phones in the entire school. The rest of the parents are neutral.
Patricia Vijfwinkel, mother of 17-year-old son Mika, took part in the poll. She thinks it is especially important that the school has a clear policy. At her son’s school, teachers differ in how they handle mobile phones. This makes it unclear and inconsistent for children, according to her.
Now there are teachers who do not want phones in class and others who are much more relaxed about it.
Minister examines national ban
There has been much attention lately on rules about phone use at school. Should there be national rules, or is it important that schools keep deciding these rules themselves? Education Minister Dennis Wiersma said last week he will investigate whether a national mobile phone ban is wanted. He fears phones cause worse school performance. He wants to make a final decision before summer.
Most schools already have rules
What is the current status of rules in Dutch schools? Most parents say in the poll that the school has rules or guidelines about mobile phones. Especially in primary schools there is a ban on mobile phones in the entire school. In secondary education, this is only 6%. More than half of all schools have a ban on mobile phones in class. In secondary education, a third of parents still say there are no rules and mobile phones are allowed.
About the research
Five hundred parents with a child in primary school (from 10 years old) and secondary school took part in the poll. Do you also want to join the conversation about your child’s education? Then sign up for the Landelijk Ouderpanel. You will then receive a few emails a year with a questionnaire, tailored to your personal situation.
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