Dutch primary schools also banning smartphones as remaining students return to class

Kids in the Noord region return to school today, and with that, the summer vacation is officially over and the academic year has started. As of today, primary school students are also not allowed to bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or other devices into the classroom.

Many schools in the Centrum and Zuid regions implemented the ban in the past two weeks when they opened after summer vacation. The idea is that the device ban will help students concentrate better in class.

There are a few exceptions to the ban. Devices are allowed in the classroom if they are used for the lesson, and children who need a device for medical reasons or a disability are allowed to use them.

Secondary schools already implemented the phone ban at the start of this year. Early evaluation by the Radboud University in Nijmegen showed that it resulted in more socialization between students, less distraction, and less bullying.

A survey by the General Education Union (AOb) showed that teachers also think the ban resulted in more peace in the classroom and better concentration among students.