More Focus, Better Grades: The Benefits of Smartphone-Free Learning
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?
In July 2025, the Dutch government published the results of a large-scale study on the effect of the smartphone ban in schools. The conclusions were clear: fewer smartphones means better learning outcomes. In this article, we dive into the science behind smartphone-free learning.
What The Research Shows
The Dutch study followed more than 120 schools after the introduction of the smartphone ban in January 2024. The results were striking:
Concentration
Social Interaction
Learning Environment
The Science Behind Distraction
Why are smartphones so harmful to learning? The answer lies in how our brains work.
The Problem of Constant Notifications
Every notification - whether it is a like, a message, or an app update - activates the reward system in our brains. This system is the same reason we reach for candy or want to scroll for a bit. In children, whose brains are still developing, this effect is even stronger.
- The result:
- The brain becomes "programmed" to constantly seek rewards
- Deep concentration becomes increasingly difficult
- The threshold for boredom is lowered
Context-Switching is Expensive
When you switch from one task to another, your brain needs time to adjust. This is called "context-switching." Research shows that it can take up to 25 minutes before you are fully focused again after an interruption.
A child who "just quickly" looks at their phone loses much more time than just those few seconds. The mental costs of switching are enormous.
The Phantom Phone Syndrome
Even when the phone is off, many children think about it. "Did something happen on Instagram?" "Did someone send me a message?" This constant "background process" in the brain consumes mental energy that would otherwise go to learning.
International Recognition
The Netherlands is one of the first European countries to implement this ban nationwide. The results are now being followed with interest by:
Approximately 40% of all countries worldwide now have some form of smartphone policy in schools.
But What If Your Child Still Needs Information?
This is where it gets tricky. The ban applies to the classroom, but your child still needs access to:
The traditional solution is that children use their smartphone at home to check this information. But that introduces exactly the problems we want to avoid.
Loek: Maintaining Focus, Even at Home
Loek is designed to extend the benefits of smartphone-free learning to the home. It is a device that:
- Shows the school information your child needs:
- Current schedule (including cancelled classes and changes)
- Homework and deadlines
- Upcoming tests
- Without the drawbacks of a smartphone:
- No social media
- No games or entertainment
- No distracting notifications
- No endless scrolling
The E-Ink Difference
Loek uses an e-ink screen, like an e-reader. This is not a coincidental choice:
1. No blue light - Blue light from normal screens disrupts the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. E-ink does not have this problem.
2. No moving images - Without videos, animations, or rapidly changing content, focus remains intact.
3. Battery life of months - Your child never has to think "I need to charge my Loek" - it is just always there.
4. Readable in any situation - Whether it is bright sunlight or a dark room, the screen remains readable without straining eyes.
The Complete Circle of Focus
Imagine:
At school: The phone is banned. Your child can concentrate on the lesson.
After school: Instead of grabbing the smartphone, your child checks the Loek for homework.
In the evening: No temptation to "just" scroll. The Loek only shows schoolwork.
At bedtime: No blue light, no FOMO, no nighttime message checking.
This is what smartphone-free learning looks like completely. Not just at school, but 24/7.
For Parents: Stay Involved
Through the Loek parent dashboard, you can see what your child sees:
You can support and help plan, without your child needing a smartphone. And without having to check the parent portal yourself every day.
The Investment in Focus
Yes, Loek costs money. But compare it to:
A device that helps focus, without distraction, is an investment in your child's future.
Ready for Better Focus?
The science is clear. Dutch schools prove it. Smartphone-free learning works.
Give your child the tools to focus - at school and at home.
Order Loek - School info without a smartphone.
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Loek automatically syncs with Somtoday, the student administration system of most Dutch schools. Your child always has the latest information, without smartphone distractions.
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