Dutch parents want complete smartphone ban at school, more communication about AI use

A large majority of parents in the Netherlands are in favor of banning smartphones from schools entirely and setting a 15-year age limit on social media. They also want schools to communicate more clearly regarding the use of artificial intelligence, the Telegraaf reports based on the annual parents survey by Ouders & Onderwijs.

Since January 2024, children in the Netherlands have not been allowed to use phones and smartwatches in the classroom. 87 percent of parents support the phone ban in the classroom.

According to the survey, 48 percent of parents said that their school has banned these devices throughout the entire building, up from 12 percent three years ago. 70 percent of parents are in favor of this approach, saying a complete ban encourages children to interact and play with each other during breaks.

Those not in favor raise concerns about children missing timetable changes and will miss the convenience of being able to reach their child immediately if something is wrong.

Children are more divided on the topic, their parents say. 52 percent are positive about no phones in the classroom, and only 31 percent support a total ban.

Parents are also concerned about social media. They see that their children get joy from the platforms, but 27 percent indicate that social media impacts their child’s sleep. A similar group said that social media increased their child’s fear of missing out. 22 percent report their children feel insecure, and 20 percent said they stress more. 79 percent of parents therefore favor a social media ban for children under the age of 15.

Three-quarters of parents also indicated that their child’s school does not communicate with them about the use of AI. They don’t know which rules apply at school, how teachers use the technology, or whether children receive guidance regarding this. 55 percent of parents of secondary school children said their child uses AI for schoolwork.

“Parents are not necessarily for or against the use of AI at school,” Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs, told the Telegraaf. “But they do want to know what is happening and why the school makes certain choices. This silence from schools causes confusion and doubts among parents, while this subject in particular calls for cooperation.”

Parents consider it essential that their children learn to use AI carefully and understand the risks and limitations, Vlaming said. “Parents want children to learn that AI cannot be trusted blindly and that much of it is incorrect.”