Sweden, known for its early embrace of digital technology, plans to ban mobile phones in schools starting this fall. The decision marks a shift toward more traditional learning methods, focusing on books and less screen time for students.
Prioritizing Books Over Screens
Since 2023, Sweden’s center-right government has emphasized reading over digital learning tools, especially for preschool students. Joar Forsell, chairperson of the Swedish parliament’s education committee, highlighted a decline in reading and writing abilities among students. Forsell stated, “We’re rolling the screens back because we believe that books and more traditional ways of learning are better for kids.”
This move aligns with a global trend of reducing screens in classrooms. Denmark and Finland have implemented similar policies, while countries like Spain and South Korea are taking measures to limit mobile phone use and screen-based homework in schools. In the U.S., the Los Angeles Unified School District plans to restrict screen use until second grade and require daily screen time limits for older students.
Enhancing Learning Environments
Despite its digital prowess, evidenced by companies like Spotify and Ericsson, Sweden aims to create classrooms with fewer distractions. About 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) is allocated for textbooks and teachers’ guides, part of a new grant supporting this transition. The policy follows declining reading levels discovered in the 2022 PISA study, where 24.3% of Swedish ninth graders did not reach a basic reading comprehension level.
Magnus Haake, a cognitive science associate professor at Lund University, supported the initiative. He explained that physical learning materials engage the brain’s motor sensory parts, enhancing the overall learning system. Sweden’s public health agency also advises parents to create “screen-free zones” at home, mirroring school practices.
Student Experiences with Less Screen Time
“When you have a phone, there’s always something to look at,” said Melina Sallahi, a student at Malmö Borgarskola high school. “It’s less of a distraction.”
At Malmö Borgarskola, phones are collected in a “Mobile Hotel” during classes, encouraging focus. Students report improved learning experiences by reducing phone usage. Though students receive laptops, these are used only when teachers permit, emphasizing traditional writing techniques.
As part of broader educational changes, children under two now use only nondigital materials. Starting in 2028, Sweden will introduce a curriculum more focused on book-based learning.
Debates on Digital Skills
While the shift receives positive feedback in many quarters, some express concern over digital skills shortages. The Swedish Edtech Industry’s report warns that 90% of future jobs will require digital competencies, stressing the importance of maintaining digital learning elements in education.
Peter Carlsson, CEO of Imvi Labs, notes not all digital tools disrupt learning. Some are crucial for students with learning difficulties. However, students like Melina Sallahi disagree, believing that digital skills develop outside school hours, thus reducing worries about their absence in the classroom.
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