No mobile phones in school improves student’s concentration

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Dutch phone ban in schools having ‘wonderful effect’
While countries clamour to ban smartphones in schools, fresh research from the Netherlands – one of the first to do so – suggests that its ban has made students more sociable, improved their focus and boosted academic performance.

According to a study commissioned by the Dutch government, three-quarters of the 317 surveyed high schools said that the ban had boosted students’ concentration, while nearly two-thirds noted an improvement in the social climate. One-third reported better academic performance.

“Less distraction, more attention to the lesson, and more social students – no more mobile phones in the classroom is having wonderful positive effects,” Marielle Paul, state secretary for primary and secondary education, told Reuters.

The Dutch ban of digital devices in schools came into effect on 1 January 2024, inspiring other nations to follow suit, notably France, Hungary and Finland. Many UK schools have implemented their own bans, thanks partly to the fast-growing Smartphone Free Childhood movement, as featured in the new issue of Positive News magazine.

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We still need the analog clock

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Can analog clocks support dyscalculia? For individuals with learning differences like dyscalculia, the analog clock can be a surprisingly helpful tool.

How the Visual-Spatial Nature of Analog Clocks Can Help with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia often involves difficulties with number sense and spatial reasoning. The visual and spatial nature of an analog clock can provide a more accessible entry point to time concepts than purely numerical (digital) representations. Using an analog clock for dyscalculia support can leverage visual strengths.

Using Analog Clocks as a Concrete Tool for Abstract Time and Number Concepts

For those who struggle with abstract numerical ideas, an analog clock offers a concrete learning aid. The movement of the hands provides a physical representation of passing time and numerical quantities (like 5 minutes, 15 minutes), which can be easier to grasp. Understanding how different tools like analog clocks can support cognitive development is crucial, especially for individuals with learning differences.

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New Podcast about Parent resources

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Chris is not stupid, he has Dyscalculia!

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Become a dyscalculia tutor click HERE

Lose, Lose, Lose

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Children with learning difficulties or disabilities and their parents face a “lose, lose, lose” situation, Sir Keir Starmer has said, as he pledged to press ahead with reforming special needs support in schools.

Downing Street backed Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, after she was criticised by Labour MPs and campaigners for refusing to guarantee that children with special needs would continue to have the same legal rights to bespoke support in school.

Ministers said that retaining the existing system would end up “failing children and failing parents” and insisted that reform should not result in the overall level of support for special needs being cut.

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