The question of whether smartphones should be ban from schools in order to improve learning is a topic of debate and there are valid arguments on both sides. As Smartphone addiction is a major problem in our country.
Many of us are constantly checking our phones, even when we should be focusing on other many things. This is especially true for children and teenagers, who are often more interested in their phones than their schoolwork.
As Dutch government is taking steps to address this problem.
Starting in January 2024, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches will be ban from classrooms in the Netherlands.
This is a positive step that will help students focus on their studies and learn more effectively.
Dutch government has announce that smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches will be largely ban from classrooms in the Netherlands from 1st January, 2024.
This ban is the result of an agreement between the ministry, schools, and related organizations.
Dutch Education minister said in a statement that the ban is necessary to protect students from distractions and to help them focus on their studies.
The ban will only apply to smartphones that are not specifically need for lessons.
Like, smartphones can still be use for lessons on digital skills, or by students with medical conditions or disabilities.
Schools will be responsible for enforcing the ban.
So, if the ban does not yield enough results by the summer of 2024, legal rules will follow.
The rule banning phones in Dutch schools may be new, but it’s already common in many other parts of the world.
When I was in high school, phones were also prohibited where I live.
And since then, the use of phones and social media has only increase.
As per reports, the average teenager now spends about 7 hours and 22 minutes on their phone every day.
Which includes time spent on social media, texting, gaming, watching videos, and using apps.
Smartphones can be a significant source of distraction for students.
Banning them from schools can help reduce the temptation to use them for non-educational purposes during class time, thereby improving students focus and attention on learning.
Excessive smartphone use can hinder face-to-face communication and social interaction among students.
By banning smartphones, schools can promote healthier interpersonal relationships and encourage students to engage with their peers and teachers directly.
Also banning smartphone use can help decrease instances of cyberbullying, as well as the access to inappropriate or harmful content.
Schools can implement better measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their students in the absence of smartphones.
Lastly, finding a balance approach might be more effective in this case.
Rahul Ram Dwivedi (RRD) is a senior journalist in 2YoDoINDIA.
NOTE : Views expressed are personal.
