Has banning phones improved performance at Dutch schools?

Mar 25, 2026 · 1029 words · By Anna Holligan

📰 Original article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpqxjwvvyl4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Analysis Summary

Propaganda Score: 45% (confidence: 0%)

Fact-Check Results

“Two years ago, Dutch schools banned smartphones to reduce distractions, enhance student concentration, and encourage better academic performance.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm or refute the claim about Dutch schools banning smartphones two years ago.

“Since then, mobile phones, smartwatches and tablets have been exiled from classrooms, corridors and canteens in schools across the Netherlands.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify the extent of device bans in Dutch schools.

“The Dutch government wants to go further, pushing to restrict social media for under‑16s and calling for an EU‑wide 15+ age limit for apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm Dutch government's social media restriction proposals.

“The Dutch government opted for a national agreement with schools, parents and teachers, arguing this would secure buy‑in and bring in the rules quickly without a lengthy legislative battle.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify the government's approach to implementing rules.

“A government‑commissioned study of 317 secondary schools found that about three‑quarters reported better concentration since phones were banned.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm the study's findings about improved concentration.

“Almost two‑thirds said the social climate had improved, and around a third saw better academic performance.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify claims about improved social climate from the study.

“A government‑commissioned study of 317 secondary schools found that about three‑quarters reported better concentration since phones were banned.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm the study's findings about academic performance.

“A Unicef survey of more than 1,000 Dutch children and teenagers found that 69% favoured a social media ban for under‑18s.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify Unicef survey results about social media bans.

“In the same survey, 28% said platforms should be off‑limits for under‑12s altogether.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm Unicef survey findings about under-12s restrictions.

“A Newcom survey found that 60% of 16-28-year-olds support an age limit for social media access.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify Newcom survey results about social media age limits.

“The Dutch Research Council is investigating the unintended consequences of the smartphone ban, including potential increases in fear of missing out (FOMO) and post-school phone use.”

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“Dutch students claim they are not bingeing on phone use before or after school due to the ban.”

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“Former Dutch education minister Koen Becking cites 'growing evidence' that heavy social media use negatively impacts mental health and social interaction.”

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“Dutch student Felix claims that keeping smartphones out of sight during school hours has increased students' presence and social interactions.”

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