rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
AMSTERDAM: The Dutch Cabinet has called on primary and secondary schools to prohibit students from using mobile phones throughout the school day, including during breaks and elsewhere on school grounds.
Under the proposal, students would be required to keep their phones away from Jan. 1, 2027, including in classrooms, assembly halls, during breaks and other areas within school premises.
The Cabinet currently lacks legal authority to impose a nationwide ban but can issue recommendations to the education sector.
The proposal forms part of a broader government strategy to protect children from excessive and potentially harmful online activity. Officials have warned that addictive algorithms, autoplay videos and social media can make it difficult for young people to reduce screen use.
The government previously reached national agreements in 2024 to restrict mobile phone use during lessons.
The Cabinet is also seeking stronger measures to protect children online, including a possible minimum age for social media access. The European Commission is considering an age threshold of 13, while the Dutch government has proposed 15.
The government is also preparing tighter rules for family vloggers and child influencers. Content produced by children under 15 could be classified as child labor and become subject to penalties.
Dutch Cabinet Proposes Nationwide Mobile Phone Ban in Schools
