A secondary school in Zeist has blocked parents’ from using the school’s online reporting system because of the stress it is causing pupils.

The Jordan Montessori Lyceum in Zeist has closed access to the Magister network for a two-month experiment after pupils reported feeling far more pressure to perform from their parents.

The move comes from economics teacher Stijn Uittenbogaard who distributed a questionnaire to the school’s pupils and was concerned by the findings.

“The more pressure children feel to perform, the worse their mental health,” he told NOS radio. “They become more lonely, have more headaches and stomach pains and find it more difficult to fall asleep.”

Magister is a digital system that includes school timetables, teaching materials, absenteeism and test results. Teachers and pupils have access and some schools also allow parents to monitor their children’s progress via the system.

Secondary school association VO Raad said more schools have taken the decision to block parents and experts have also welcomed the move.

“If you let parents look into Magister or Somtoday [a similar system] you are taking responsibilities away from the children,” educational advisor Marina van der Wal told the Telegraaf. “Let’s say you fail German. If your parents are not looking at your reports, you can keep it a secret and try to do better next time. But now your parents might know your results before you do.”

School pupils’ union Laks has also welcomed the experiment. “We are concerned about the enormous focus which parents place on test results,” said chairwoman Puk Donken. “This is putting unnecessary pressure on pupils.”

Research published earlier this year by health board GGD and health institute RIVM found young Dutch teenagers are less positive about their state of health and happiness than they used to be.

In particular, teens are more likely to say they suffer from mental problems compared to 2019, the survey showed. Stress surrounding homework and school is seen as the main issue, followed by “all the stuff you have to do”.