Netherlands: Nationwide ban on phones in schools underway

DW:

Cell phones, smart watches, and tablets are now banned for pupils at Dutch primary and secondary schools. The Dutch government called them a “distraction” that reduces academic performance and social interaction.

As pupils returned to primary schools in the Netherlands on Monday, a new ban on smart devices went into effect. With the technology banned in secondary schools since January, that means there is now a blanket ban across the country.

“There is increasing evidence that cell phones in class are harmful. Students can concentrate less and their performance suffers. We need to protect students from that,” the Dutch government said in a statement.