The learning environment in schools in the Netherlands is better after the ban on mobile phones and despite initial protests, a study requested by the Dutch government shows.

The survey was conducted among 317 secondary school principals, 313 primary school principals and 12 focus groups of teachers, teaching assistants, students and parents. Most secondary schools reported that children were easier to focus (75%) and that the social environment was better (59%).

Meanwhile, as the Guardian reports, researchers say interaction among students has also improved.

About half of the special schools, where there are exemptions for learning support devices, reported that the ban had a positive or very positive effect.

In primary schools, where the impact of smartphones was not very large, a quarter were positive about it.

Meanwhile, as the VO-raad secondary education council spokeswoman points out, initial fears about banning mobiles in schools have proved unfounded.

The national guidelines, introduced in January 2024, recommend a ban on smartphones in classrooms. Nearly two-thirds of secondary schools ask students to leave their phones at home or put them in lockers.

In the Netherlands 96% of children go online almost every day, mostly via their phones.