Netherlands banning mobile phones in classrooms: reports

The Netherlands is planning to ban mobile phones from classrooms, as per a new ruling set by the Dutch government. As per the announcement, electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets disrupt learning in classrooms, and as such, they will not be allowed in middle and high-school classrooms starting next year. 

The announcement adds that exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or disability. There will be also exceptions for classes that are specifically focused on teaching necessary digital skills. While the mobile phone ban is not legally enforceable as of yet, a report from BBC states that this ruling may become so in the future.

"There is increasing evidence that mobile phones have a harmful effect during lessons. Pupils are less able to concentrate and their performance suffers" - states the announcement by the Dutch government. A report from AFP adds that the government is asking school authorities to internally agree on this ruling with teachers, parents, and students by this year's October. 

According to Robbert Dijkgraaf, Minister of Education, Culture and Science of Netherlands, even though mobile phones are a daily necessity, "they do not belong in the classroom". He added that it is known from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt the concentration of students in the classrooms, as per the report by BBC.