European schools ban mobile phones to transform student culture
- Calvijn College in the Netherlands implemented a mobile phone ban four years ago, resulting in a transformed school culture.
- Other European countries, including France and Belgium, are adopting similar bans, while Italy and Greece have chosen milder restrictions.
- Research indicates that the ban has led to reduced distractions and improved student focus, with a general sense of pride in the school's decision.
Six years ago, Calvijn College in the Netherlands began contemplating a ban on mobile phones, facing mixed reactions from students, parents, and teachers. Initially, some students felt the proposal was outdated, while parents expressed concerns about communication with their children. However, after implementing the ban four years ago, the school experienced a significant cultural shift, with students required to leave their phones at home or lock them up during school hours. This change has led to a more focused learning environment, with reports of reduced distractions and increased attentiveness in class. As the trend of banning mobile phones gained momentum, other European countries began to follow suit. In France, 200 secondary schools are testing similar bans, while Belgium's French-speaking primary schools have enacted their own prohibitions. Italy and Greece have opted for a more lenient approach, allowing phones on school grounds but restricting their use in classrooms. The Dutch government has also recommended that schools eliminate mobile devices from secondary classrooms, extending this advice to primary schools as well. Research conducted three months after the ban at Calvijn College revealed that approximately 20% of students felt less distracted without their smartphones. Teachers noted improved student focus and engagement, while many students reported enjoying their breaks more without the constant presence of their devices. Despite some students missing their phones, the overall sentiment has been positive, with a sense of pride in the school's forward-thinking approach. The success of the ban at Calvijn College has sparked interest from other schools, leading to a broader conversation about the role of technology in education. The initial fears of reverting to an outdated system have been replaced by recognition of the benefits of a phone-free environment, highlighting the importance of social interaction and focused learning in modern education.