SWEDEN TO BAN MOBILE PHONES IN SCHOOLS AMID PUSH TO REDUCE CLASSROOM SCREEN USE. (PHOTO).

Sweden to ban mobile phones in schools amid push to reduce classroom screen use

Sweden will ban mobile phones in schools starting this fall as part of a broader shift away from digital tools in classrooms and toward traditional, book-based learning.

The policy is part of a wider education strategy introduced by the country’s center-right government in 2023, which has emphasized more reading time and reduced screen exposure, particularly for younger children in preschool and early schooling. Officials say the goal is to improve literacy and reduce distractions in the classroom.

A leading lawmaker said declining reading and writing skills among Swedish students helped drive the decision, particularly among younger age groups. Supporters of the move argue that printed materials and handwritten work better support learning and retention than screens.

The change reflects a broader international trend as schools and governments reassess the heavy use of laptops, tablets, and phones in education. Countries across Europe and beyond have introduced various restrictions, from limiting phone use in classrooms to reducing screen-based assignments, while some U.S. school districts have also moved in the same direction.

In Sweden, officials have already begun scaling back digital reliance in early education and have allocated funding to increase access to textbooks and teaching materials. The government has also encouraged broader limits on screen use outside school, including guidance aimed at parents.

The policy comes amid concerns over falling reading levels in international assessments, which show a significant share of Swedish students failing to reach basic reading benchmarks. Education researchers have pointed to potential benefits of physical learning materials, saying they may improve focus and cognitive engagement.

At schools where phone restrictions are already in place, students typically hand in their devices during class and retrieve them afterward. Some educators say this has improved attention in lessons, although students still use laptops for certain assignments under teacher supervision.

Not all experts and education groups support the shift. Some argue that reducing digital exposure could leave students underprepared for a technology-driven job market and warn of potential skills gaps in the future workforce. Others say digital tools can play an important role in specialized learning and accessibility.

Despite those concerns, supporters of the policy say students are already heavily exposed to screens outside the classroom and that schools should prioritize foundational skills such as reading, writing, and concentration.