Dutch government proposes wider school phone rules for breaks

The Dutch cabinet presented a strategy on 5 October to protect children online, combining calls for tougher rules on digital services and a European minimum age for social media with support for parents and children. It is a policy plan, not a set of measures already in force. [1]

The cabinet says it and Spain have proposed a European minimum age with few exceptions, alongside requirements for companies to show that their services are safe. It says age checks must protect children’s privacy. The cabinet’s announcement gives no numerical age threshold or start date for the proposed age limit. According to the cabinet, a European Commission proposal would also place safety requirements on the design of digital services, including measures against addictive techniques and unwanted contact from strangers. The cabinet plans to respond to that proposal in more detail at the end of October. [1]

In schools, the government wants to extend mobile-phone arrangements to all schools, including outside lessons, with a target start date of 1 January 2027. Many schools already have such arrangements. The cabinet says early results are positive, but gives no supporting figures. It is also assessing the effects on children’s wellbeing of services including YouTube, Roblox, ChatGPT and TikTok; no findings from those assessments were announced. [1]

The strategy also points parents towards guidance on children’s screen use. The cabinet says it is speaking with young people through the UNICEF youth council and plans to establish a parent council. [1]

Update

The Dutch government wants pupils to keep their phones off school playgrounds and out of school halls during breaks, according to ANP. Education state secretary Judith Tielen wants to reach agreements with the education sector to make leaving phones at home or in a locker the norm at all schools from 1 January 2027. That is her intended start date, not a rule already in force. [2]