Children under fifteen years old should avoid social media, and parents are advised to limit their children’s daily screen time, according to new guidelines published by the caretaker Dutch government (see related story) on Tuesday. The recommendations follow a string of calls on the government to reduce health and developmental risks linked to excessive screen use.
For kids between two and four years old, screen time should be capped at 30 minutes per day, rising gradually to a maximum of three hours for those above 12 years old, the guidelines state. Screens should be kept out of bedrooms and away from mealtimes, and parents are even being urged to limit their own screen use in front of children.
One key recommendation is the “20-20-2” rule: after 20 minutes of screen use, children should look into the distance for 20 seconds, followed by two hours of outdoor play. This, according to the Dutch health ministry, is intended to help prevent near-sightedness.
The cabinet also recommends setting a minimum age of 15 for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, because of their addictive designs. This is in line with guidelines in other countries. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Signal are deemed more suitable for children from around 12 years old, when they start secondary school.
Nearly 13% of teenagers are said to be at risk of problematic social media use and families need more support to manage digital habits. Children’s advocacy groups such as UNICEF Nederland have called for clearer guidance from government after teenagers themselves indicated that they did not feel properly protected online.
In a survey by the children’s organisation, about 88% of youths said they used social media but 69% were in favour of banning it, with many saying it was addictive or had an impact on their mental health.
Last week, television news service RTL Nieuws reported that a majority of Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) were in favour of banning smartphones in secondary schools. The ban would not have legal force, but parties said they supported the idea of MP Hanneke van der Werf of centrist party D-66 to publish guidelines so that “teachers and pupils know where they stand.”
A similar ban has applied to primary schools in the Netherlands since the start of the current school year. Teachers have observed improvements in pupils’ concentration and behaviour, and said children are talking to each other more.
As reported in Tuesday’s newspaper, starting in the new academic year Marnix College Rio Canario will become the first school in Curaçao to enforce a completely phone-free environment. From August 2025, students will no longer be allowed to use mobile devices anywhere on the school grounds or inside its buildings.
According to the administration, this policy aims to promote calm, concentration and social cohesion. Principal Linda Honingh said the decision was made to strengthen the quality of education.
“Smartphones are a frequent source of distraction. By removing them, we create more space for learning, genuine conversations and personal growth,” Honingh stated.
Students are expected to become more mindful of their behaviour and attention, while the school environment becomes safer and more connected. The policy also serves as a preventive measure against issues such as cyberbullying and the secret recording of fellow students.
Teachers have welcomed the initiative. “Without phones, you see students actually talking to each other again. We’re also able to spot signs of trouble much more quickly,” one noted.
All this does not mean St. Maarten must necessarily follow either of these examples, but they certainly offer food for thought.
