The Dutch Phone Ban

Lesson overview

Schools in the Netherlands banned smartphones two years ago, and the results are turning heads worldwide. Students are talking more, focusing better, and feeling less anxious. Now the Dutch government wants to go further with social media restrictions for under-16s. This ESL lesson uses a real news story to get your students thinking and talking about technology, screen time, and digital habits.

If your students enjoyed this material, try What If Your Phone Is Gone? It’s a C1 lesson built around a personal story of losing an iPhone at LAX airport. A great follow-up for higher-level groups.