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Why Netherlands wants to ban mobile phones in classrooms

The announcement comes a few days after a similar decision was made  by Finland.

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by BRIAN ORUTA

News05 July 2023 - 12:33
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In Summary


  • • The directive will take effect starting next year (2024), and will be reviewed at the end of the year to see how effective it will be.
  • • According to the BBC, the directive will, however, have exemptions. They will include students with medical needs or a disability.
Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf.

The Ministry of Education in Netherlands has banned mobile phones and other devices from being inside classrooms.

This, is in a bid to stop the disruptions brought by the devices to learning process. Tablets and smartwatches are also banned.

"Even though mobile phones are almost intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom," Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said .

"Students must be able to concentrate there and be given every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt this," he added.

According to the BBC, the directive will, however, have exemptions. They will include students with medical needs or a disability.

Students with lessons focused on digital skills will also be exempted.

The directive will take effect starting next year (2024), and will be reviewed at the end of the year to see how effective it will be.

The announcement comes a few days after a similar decision was made  by Finland.

England and France have also proposed banning mobile phones to improve learning.

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