Cabinet Urges All-Day Phone Ban in Schools
The Dutch cabinet wants primary and secondary schools to ban mobile phones for the entire school day starting 1 January 2027.
The Dutch cabinet wants primary and secondary schools to ban mobile phones for the entire school day starting 1 January 2027.
What changes: Under the updated guidance, pupils must keep devices stored away during breaks, in canteens, and on playgrounds, broadening existing classroom restrictions. Because the national government cannot legally determine local school rules directly, ministers are issuing a formal urgent recommendation.
The big picture: The initiative is part of an online youth protection strategy presented by State Secretary Willemijn Aerdts. Ministers cited risks from addictive algorithms and heavy daily screen use, including sleep trouble, poor concentration, and nearsightedness, alongside plans to regulate child influencers and lobby for higher European social media age limits.
State of play:
- Secondary education council VO-raad labeled the guidance exaggerated, noting that more than 57 percent of schools already enforce phone-free days without extra pressure.
- Education union AOb supported the recommendation, stating that the 2024 classroom restrictions already improved student concentration and classroom order.
What is next: State Secretary for Education Tielen will discuss practical agreements with education sector representatives.
