The Dutch ban on mobile phones at schools - praise and criticism of a controversial measure

The Dutch ban on mobile phones at schools - praise and criticism of a controversial measure

weltwoche.ch

A year after the introduction of the mobile phone ban in schools in the Netherlands, a shared picture appears. While teachers and parents report positive effects, key points of criticism and long-term radiation exposure due to limited smartphones usage. questions remain unclear. An often overlooked aspect of the discussion: the possible reduction of  radiation exposure due to limited smartphones usage.

Success: More attention, less bullying

Teachers report more attentive behavior of students and an improvement in social interaction when they don't use smartphones in school everyday life. According to the NZZ, cyberbullying has also decreased significantly, as conflicts no longer escalate digitally. Parents evaluate the ban in top-scoring surveys, and many teachers also appreciate the quieter atmosphere in school everyday life.

Criticism: Emerging problems and implementation deficits

The approval of the pupils, on the other hand, has dropped significantly. The loss of digital aids for schedules, homeworks and time management is particularly criticized by them. Without alternatives, boredom often arises in the breaks, which can lead to new conflicts. This shows that the ban in its current form still has some weaknesses.

Radiation criticism: an underrated factor

A rarely discussed aspect is radiation exposure, which could be reduced by less active smartphones in school buildings. Studies on the long-term effect of electromagnetic radiation, especially in young people, are generally still inadequate, critics of the ban argue that the withdrawal of smartphones is not the solution. Rather, conscious handling of technology should be taught in order to minimize both health risks and dependencies. Otherwise, the smartphone ban at school could experience its appropriate compensation after school ends and all «lost» time on the smartphone could be made up.

Digitalisation competence in jeopardy ?

In an increasingly digital world, opponents of the ban raise the question of whether limited smartphone access could help students experience drawbacks in developing key digitization skills. Dealing with digital media is a core competence that cannot be promoted by bans. Schools, which completely exclude digital devices, would risk sending students «unprepared» into a technician society.

A balance act between protection and progress

The mobile phone ban may show short-term gains in concentration and socializing, but long-term consequences remain unclear. Would a differentiated approach that focuses on the benefits of digital technologies be a better solution? At the same time, programs that critically question handling radiation and digital media could help students take responsibility – both for their health and for their use of technology.

The debate about the Dutch mobile phone ban shows how complex the deal with digitization is in the education system. Progress and caution do not have to be contradictory - when all perspectives are included and sustainable solutions are developed.

Source: Die Weltwoche, "Das niederländische Handyverbot an Schulen – Lob und Kritik an einer umstrittenen Massnahme"

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