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BeShield

Compliance · Belgium

Smartphones at school: compliance across Belgium

Wallonia, French-speaking Brussels and Flanders — two sets of rules, one turnkey tool to enforce them.

Updated

Wallonia + French-speaking Brussels

FWB Decree of 13 March 2025

Scope
Smartphones and other connected devices (tablets, watches…) — recreational use
Application
Compulsory education (primary and secondary, mainstream and special needs) — from entering school, including breaks, lunch and school trips
Consequence
Each school sets the rules and sanctions in its internal regulations. Exceptions: teaching use at the teacher's request, medical reasons.
Official source (FWB decree)

Flanders

Flemish decree — 1 September 2025

Scope
All smart devices (smartphones, smartwatches, mobile phones)
Application
Primary and secondary — throughout the school day; in the 3rd stage of secondary, during lessons only
Consequence for schools
The ban must be included in each school's rules.
Official source (Vlaanderen.be)

Applying the ban in 4 steps

The method we follow with schools. The documents mentioned are part of the Back-to-School Pack, included with your order.

  1. 1

    Update the school rules

    Write the ban and its exceptions (teaching use, medical reasons) into your school rules, starting from the model clause provided.

  2. 2

    Inform families

    Send the parent letter before launch: why, how, and how to reach their child in an emergency.

  3. 3

    Equip the school

    One pouch per student, a 5 to 10 % reserve, and one free unlocking base per 100 pouches, at the entrances and exits.

  4. 4

    Launch and follow up

    Train staff in 2 to 3 minutes with the getting-started guide, then review after the first few weeks.

Comparison of the two decrees

  • Date

    FWB (Wallonia + Brussels FR)Adopted 13 March 2025 — applied from 25 August 2025
    Flanders1 September 2025

  • Scope

    FWB (Wallonia + Brussels FR)Smartphones and other connected devices (tablets, watches) — recreational use
    FlandersAll smart devices (smartphones, smartwatches, mobile phones)

  • Levels concerned

    FWB (Wallonia + Brussels FR)Primary + secondary (mainstream and special needs)
    FlandersPrimary and secondary

  • Time window

    FWB (Wallonia + Brussels FR)All time at school (lessons, breaks, lunch, trips)
    FlandersThroughout the school day; in the 3rd stage of secondary, during lessons only

  • Consequence for the school

    FWB (Wallonia + Brussels FR)Update of internal regulations
    FlandersUpdate of school rules

The BeShield response

The BeShield pouch has a Faraday-type lining that cuts the network. Students keep their device, but cannot use it or receive notifications during the school day.

  • Fits smartphones and smartwatches — network cut (Faraday lining)
  • A concrete tool to enforce both FWB and Flemish rules
  • No confiscation: the student keeps their device
  • Set up in one gesture, at the entrance to the classroom or school
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