The Dutch perspective: smartphone-free schools and a new research agenda

Abstract Two policies from the Netherlands are outlined in this presentation. The first is the mobile-free school policy, introduced in January 2024. In the summer of 2024, a representative baseline measurement was conducted. Schools appreciate having one national guideline, which aids discussions with students, parents, and teachers. Early results show that high school students are interacting more socially with each other, and lessons are more focused. The Ministry will continue to monitor the impact of this national policy and, by summer 2025, will collaborate with various stakeholders in primary, secondary, and specialised education to assess if additional measures, such as a legal ban, are needed. These findings will be shared. The second topic covers the development of a digital health and wellbeing research agenda for 2025-2026 in the Netherlands. Research on the health impacts of games, social media, and other digital resources spans multiple scientific fields, including psychology, communication, and computer science. This research offers valuable insights into potential problems and opportunities, which can inform effective national policy. The policy focuses on promoting a healthy digital balance, considering not only individual behaviour but also the responsibility of digital asset developers. As digitization and wellbeing rapidly evolve, the research agenda is updated annually to incorporate new findings. This roadmap enables scientists and professionals to collaborate more effectively toward a digital future that enhances, rather than threatens, people's wellbeing. The presentation also highlights key knowledge gaps that remain insufficiently addressed.