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No more smartphones in Flemish schools: Building safer and calmer learning climate
From the 2025-2026 school year, only third-grade secondary school students (15-18y) will be allowed to use their smartphones during playtime, but only if the school allows it.
The new regulations do include some exceptions. Mobile devices can still be used for specific educational purposes, such as media literacy classes, and an exception is also made for students with special educational needs and for students who need the devices for medical reasons.
“Rising number of suicides, self-mutilations, anxiety and eating disorders”
Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) explains the measure, which goes a step further than the coalition agreement: “This ban is just common sense,” Demir told VRT channels. “This will improve concentration, school results and student well-being.”
“We see a link between technology and the rising number of depression, suicides, self-harm and anxiety and eating disorders in children,” the minister added. She therefore wants to stop this harmful trend. “A smartphone ban makes for a safer and calmer school environment,” the minister said.
