Sweden set to ban mobile phones in schools, joining trend of shelving screens for students

Sweden will ban mobile phones in all schools beginning in the fall, marking a shift away from its reputation as a digital pioneer in education. The policy, led by the center-right coalition government, aims to address declining reading and writing abilities among students, particularly in preschool and early grades. Lawmaker Joar Forsell, chair of the education committee, stated the government believes traditional learning methods are more effective for children’s development. The decision follows a 2022 OECD study showing 24.3% of Swedish ninth graders failed to meet basic reading comprehension levels, slightly above the EU average of 26.2%. Sweden will allocate 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) to fund textbooks and teacher resources as part of the initiative. Many schools already enforce phone restrictions, and the ban aims to reduce classroom distractions. Sweden’s move reflects a global trend, with countries like Denmark and Finland implementing similar bans or restrictions. Finland’s law took effect last August, while the Los Angeles Unified School District in the U.S. recently banned screens until second grade and limited screen time for older students. The shift comes as parents, teachers, and policymakers reassess the impact of digital tools on learning. Magnus Haake, a cognitive science professor at Lund University, supported the policy, arguing that physical materials engage children’s motor and sensory systems more effectively. Sweden’s public health agency has also advised parents on reducing screen time outside school. The ban underscores concerns about the overuse of technology in education, even in a nation known for its digital advancements.