The results of the ‘Monitoring national agreement on mobile phones in the classroom in secondary education; Baseline measurement table report’ are important because they show the extent to which schools already had policies in this area, were implementing them, or planned to develop policies.
Positive impact on academic performance
The study also shows that secondary schools expect positive effects of the ‘no-unless’ policy on academic performance. More than 10 percent (10.6) expect a very positive effect, and nearly 60 percent (58 percent) expect a positive effect. More than 30 percent (30.4) expect a neutral effect.
The study also shows that many secondary schools had already begun implementing the ‘no-unless’ policy. More than 80 percent had already developed a policy in accordance with the ‘no, unless’ agreement. Moreover, of the schools that had not yet done so, more than 90 percent also planned to develop one. Among the schools that had already developed the policy, 77 percent had also implemented it.
Another measurement will take place in 2025. The results will become available in June 2025. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and all parties involved will then evaluate the agreement and subsequently consider whether additional measures are needed.
What does the ‘no-unless’ policy entail?
As of 1 January 2024, the following policy applies in secondary education: Mobile phones are only permitted in class if they are necessary for the lesson content or if students need them for health or safety reasons. Schools may decide for themselves whether this ban also applies elsewhere in the school building and how they ensure that students comply with the new rules.