Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

highplainsdem

(57,607 posts)
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 12:35 PM Jul 4

Study finds smartphone bans in Dutch schools improved focus

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Omaha Steve (a host of the Latest Breaking News forum).

Source: Reuters

AMSTERDAM, July 4 (Reuters) - A ban on mobile phones and other electronic devices in Dutch schools has improved focus among students, a study commissioned by the Dutch government found.

Three-quarters of the 317 surveyed high schools reported that the ban has had a positive effect on students' concentration. Additionally, nearly two-thirds noted an improvement in the social climate within their schools, and one-third observed better academic performance among students.

"Less distraction, more attention to the lesson, and more social students. No more mobile phones in the classroom is having wonderful positive effects. It’s great that schools are putting their shoulders to the wheel on this," State Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Marielle Paul said.

The ban has been in place since January 1, 2024, and also applies to primary schools.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/technology/study-finds-smartphone-bans-dutch-schools-improved-focus-2025-07-04/

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Study finds smartphone bans in Dutch schools improved focus (Original Post) highplainsdem Jul 4 OP
Ya think? piddyprints Jul 4 #1
Thinking is soooo old school. chowder66 Jul 4 #2
I agree. But school administrators and lawmakers typically like to see studies. Anyway, I hope highplainsdem Jul 4 #4
It should be, except... hamsterjill Jul 4 #6
Are we surprised ? republianmushroom Jul 4 #3
Cell phones are the reason I will never substitute teach in middle and high schools kimbutgar Jul 4 #5
AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING Omaha Steve Jul 4 #7

piddyprints

(14,978 posts)
1. Ya think?
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 12:39 PM
Jul 4

This should be a no-brainer.

chowder66

(11,022 posts)
2. Thinking is soooo old school.
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 12:45 PM
Jul 4

highplainsdem

(57,607 posts)
4. I agree. But school administrators and lawmakers typically like to see studies. Anyway, I hope
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jul 4

the US will soon follow suit, but Trump would be most concerned with donations from affected companies.

hamsterjill

(16,162 posts)
6. It should be, except...
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 02:20 PM
Jul 4

For school shootings, and the kids in Uvalde that called into the police department with credible and valid information.

republianmushroom

(20,797 posts)
3. Are we surprised ?
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 12:47 PM
Jul 4

kimbutgar

(25,681 posts)
5. Cell phones are the reason I will never substitute teach in middle and high schools
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 01:09 PM
Jul 4

I had trouble with a 5th grader this year who was sneakily on her phone all the time and she was one of the lowest in academics in the class. I sent her to the principals office every time I caught her and whenever I’d see her thereafter she gave me dirty looks. Luckily she graduated and can deal with the dynamics of middle school that will be a lot tougher on her.

Omaha Steve

(106,523 posts)
7. AFTER a review by forum hosts LOCKING
Fri Jul 4, 2025, 02:43 PM
Jul 4

This does not appear to be a scientific study, as Reuters didn't link a publication or anything else. This is analysis.

Statement of Purpose
Post the latest news from reputable mainstream news websites and blogs. Important news of national interest only. No analysis or opinion pieces. No duplicates. News stories must have been published within the last 12 hours. Use the published title of the story as the title of the discussion thread.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Study finds smartphone ba...