Sweden’s Move to Ban Mobile Phones in Schools Reflects Global Shift

In Sweden, known for its advanced digital technology, schools are set to ban mobile phones starting in the fall of the next academic year. This initiative aligns with a broader international trend against screens in classrooms. Since 2023, Sweden’s center-right coalition has focused on increasing reading time and reducing screen exposure, especially for preschoolers, by emphasizing books and traditional learning methods.

The Reason for the Shift

Lawmaker Joar Forsell, who leads Sweden’s education committee, noted a decline in reading and writing abilities, particularly among younger students in Sweden. “We’re moving away from screens because we believe books and traditional learning methods benefit students more,” Forsell stated.

This move is part of a wider, global reconsideration of smartphones in educational settings. Many countries outfitted their schools with laptops, tablets, and learning apps, but classrooms have since become saturated with screens. Increasing numbers of parents, teachers, and educational districts are advocating for a rollback.

Denmark plans a similar ban, and Finland implemented restrictions on mobile devices in schools last August. Globally, countries from Spain to South Korea have introduced measures ranging from complete bans to limits on screen-based assignments. The Los Angeles Unified School District in the U.S. plans to ban screens until second grade, impose daily screen time caps, ban YouTube, and review all educational technology contracts.

Focus on Traditional Learning Tools

Although Sweden leads in digital education systems, the mobile ban aims to create learning environments with fewer distractions. Many Swedish schools had already set phone restrictions. In support of this shift, the government has allocated 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) for textbooks and teacher guides, spurred by falling reading levels.

The OECD’s 2022 Program for International Student Assessment revealed that 24.3% of Swedish ninth graders did not achieve basic reading comprehension. This figure nearly matches the EU average. Cognitive science expert Magnus Haake from Lund University highlighted that learning with physical materials engages children’s motor sensory systems, boosting learning efficacy.

In addition to school measures, Swedish public health agencies advise parents on setting “screen-free zones” at home, mirroring school policies.

Real-World Implementation

Malmö Borgarskola high school already bans mobiles in class. Students deposit their phones in a “Mobile Hotel” box and retrieve them afterward. Student Melina Sallahi, 17, observed that without phones, distractions decrease. Fellow student Vasilije Stjepanovic noted that games and social media make phones more entertaining than studying.

Although each student receives a laptop, Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander discourages their use unless teachers deem it necessary. Sander emphasized that writing with pencils aids memory retention. Since last summer, Swedish children under two can use only non-digital materials. A new curriculum prioritizing book-based learning is planned for 2028.

Opposition to the Digital Backtrack

Not all in Sweden support reducing digital learning. The Swedish Edtech Industry Association stated that 90% of future jobs would require digital skills, and failing to teach these may lead to skill shortages, reduced public sector innovation, and increased unemployment. Imvi Labs CEO Peter Carlsson argued that not all screens hinder learning; some software tools assist children with learning difficulties and make teaching more efficient.

At Malmö Borgarskola, students express little concern over acquiring digital skills at school. As noted by student Melina Sallahi, “Everyone uses digital devices in their free time, so teaching this in school isn’t necessary.” Classmate Aslan Özhan Kilicasan agreed, saying, “We learn much more easily when we use books.”