The Dutch government announced on Tuesday that it will ban mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches from classrooms from January 1, 2024, in an attempt to limit student distractions, Reuters reported.

The chief executive, led by Mark Rutte, has made it clear that electronic devices will only be allowed in classrooms when they are specifically needed, such as during digital skills lessons. Exceptions will also be made for students who need them for medical reasons or for people with disabilities if they need such devices.

“Although mobile phones have become part of our lives, they have no place in the classroom,” Dutch Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said in a press release.

“Students should be able to concentrate and be able to study well. Scientific studies show that mobile phones are a disruptive factor. We have to protect students from this,” he added.

The ban is the result of negotiations between the ministry, schools and associated organisations. Dijkraaf also said that it would be up to schools to decide how the ban would be implemented, but that the ministry would adopt general rules if this decentralized approach did not work by next summer.

Last December, Italy also banned the use of mobile phones and electronic devices in classrooms.