What happens when you take smartphones out of students’ hands?
In the Netherlands, it turns out, learning gets better — and classrooms get a lot calmer.
Since national guidelines went into effect in January 2024 recommending phone bans in schools.
Nearly every Dutch school has followed suit.
According to a government-commissioned study, students are more focused and socially engaged. They are even showing better grades.
Three out of four secondary schools said concentration levels improved.
Key Benefits Explained
More than half noticed better peer interactions.
“It’s not possible to secretly snap a photo and share it on WhatsApp anymore,” said Dr. Alexander Krepel from the Kohnstamm Instituut.
“Now, kids are actually talking to each other during breaks. Sure, sometimes they argue — but that’s part of real connection.”
Even initial skeptics are on board. “There was a lot of protest at first,” said Freya Sixma from the VO-raad school council.
“But now, everyone’s actually pretty happy.”
Special needs and primary schools saw gains too, especially in classroom discipline.
Education Minister Mariëlle Paul said it best: “When one teacher banned phones, it sparked debate.
Now, with a national rule, everyone’s on the same page.”
Looks like turning off phones might just turn up the learning.
