61% support a ban on mobile phones in the classroom

More than six in ten parents support a ban on mobile phones in the classroom. They often point to the distraction and disruption caused by mobile phones. A quarter of parents do not think a ban is a good idea. Instead, they say it is important for children to learn to use smartphones responsibly themselves.

Mobile phones not in the classroom, but allowed at school

Parents are less positive about a ban on mobile phones throughout the entire school. More than half of parents do not think a blanket ban at school is a good idea. In contrast, more than a third would prefer to see a ban on mobile phones throughout the entire school. The remaining parents are neutral.

Patricia Vijfwinkel, the mother of 17-year-old Mika, took part in the survey. She considers it especially important for the school to adopt a consistent policy. At her son's school, there are differences in how teachers deal with mobile phones at school. According to her, this makes things unclear and inconsistent for children.

Minister investigating nationwide ban

There has been a great deal of attention in recent weeks to rules regarding phone use at school. Should nationwide rules be introduced, or is it important that schools continue to set these rules themselves? Education Minister Dennis Wiersma said last week that he would investigate whether a nationwide ban on mobile phones is desirable. He fears that phones lead to poorer school performance. He wants to reach a final decision before the summer.

Most schools already have rules

What is the current situation regarding rules at Dutch schools? In the survey, most parents indicated that their school has rules or guidelines concerning mobile phones. A ban on mobile phones throughout the entire school applies mainly at primary schools. In secondary education, this is the case in only 6% of schools. According to more than half of parents, all schools have a ban on mobile phones in the classroom. In secondary education, a third of parents nevertheless still see that there are no rules and that mobile phones are simply allowed.

Read here the Research Report on Mobile Phones in the Classroom by Ouders & Onderwijs.