Netherlands bans mobile phones, tablets in schools

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The Netherlands government is set to ban use of mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches in schools by next year. They believe that these things are hindering the studies of the students, due to which it has been decided to ban them.

School authorities have been asked to take consent from parents and teachers in this matter. The use of mobile phones while studying has harmful effects on children and the consequences are growing rapidly, Netherlands government said. Due to these devices, students are less able to concentrate, which directly affects their performance. For this reason, mobile phones, smart watches and tablets will not be allowed in schools from January 1, 2024. The government has given time till October for the parents and teachers to agree on this matter.

Dutch Education Minister Robert Dikgraaf told that this decision will bring a cultural change. Earlier in 2018, France banned mobile phones in primary and middle schools to prevent online bullying. The UK had also justified such a ban. The UK Education Minister said that the use of mobile phones is already banned in most schools.