Smartphone-free in practice

The Dutch government wants phones locked away for the entire school day from 1 January 2027, including breaks and the schoolyard. A good step. But at half past three the locker opens again, and at home the homework is still sitting in an app.

The first Loeks went out the door at an introductory price of €95. That was temporary. Since last week, the price we named at the start applies: €120. At the same time, we introduced a discount for families with a Stadspas or a municipal low-income scheme. This is the story behind those two numbers.

Last year our daughter wondered why her father needed her Somtoday login for the rickety e-ink screen on the kitchen table. This week the first Loeks went out the door.

Loek started as an evening hack on the kitchen table. Now it is a calm little screen that shows the schedule, homework and tests - without the phone.

One month after the stricter smartphone approach, the first effects are visible: livelier common rooms, more conversations and less stress. And exactly one practical problem remained.

Arnhem is the first Dutch city where schools, childcare and the municipality together draw one line: give your child a smartphone as late as possible. A great step - but how does your child stay on top of school then?

The new coalition agreement makes it official: smartphones are no longer allowed during the entire school day. At home or in a locker.

Research shows: students without smartphones in class perform better. But how exactly does that work? And how can your child benefit without missing school information?

You do not want to constantly distract your child with a smartphone. But you also do not want them to forget their homework or miss a test. Sound familiar?

The smartphone has been banned from the classroom. And that is good news for your child.