In an effort to improve literacy and educational outcomes, Sweden will ban mobile phones in schools starting in the fall of the next academic year. Known for embracing digital technology, Sweden’s decision marks a shift towards traditional learning methods.

Policy Goals and Educational Shifts

Since 2023, Sweden’s center-right coalition government has emphasized more reading and less screen time for students, especially those in preschool. Joar Forsell, chair of the Swedish parliament’s education committee, expressed concern over declining literacy rates. “We’re rolling the screens back because we believe that books and more traditional ways of learning are better for kids,” Forsell stated.

This decision follows a global reconsideration of smartphone use in educational settings. Many countries, including Denmark, Finland, Spain, and South Korea, have adopted similar restrictions. In the U.S., the Los Angeles Unified School District plans to limit screen use up to second grade and impose screen-time caps in higher grades.

Digitally Advanced, Yet Moving Towards Books

Sweden is home to tech giants like Spotify and Ericsson and is considered one of the most digitally advanced countries. Despite this, the government plans to allocate 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) for purchasing textbooks and teachers’ guides this year.

Recognizing falling reading levels, Sweden aims to revitalize learning. In the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment study, nearly 24.3% of Swedish ninth graders failed to reach basic reading comprehension, close to the EU average of 26.2%.

According to Magnus Haake, a cognitive science associate professor at Lund University, physical learning materials stimulate kids’ brains and enhance learning.

Implementation and Experiences

At Malmö Borgarskola high school, mobile phones are already banned during classes. Students store their devices in a “Mobile Hotel” and retrieve them after class ends. “When you have a phone, there’s always something to look at,” said student Melina Sallahi. This approach reduces distractions and enhances focus.

Though each student receives a laptop, Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander noted that their classroom use is limited unless necessary. “We have pushed back, learning that writing with your hands and a pencil helps you remember,” Sander explained.

Starting last summer, children under 2 years old are restricted to nondigital learning materials, and preschoolers aren’t required to use digital tools. A new, book-focused curriculum is expected by 2028.

Concerns and Different Perspectives

Still, not everyone agrees. The Swedish Edtech Industry warns that 90% of future jobs will need digital skills. A lack of these skills could hinder innovation and increase unemployment.

Peter Carlsson, CEO of Imvi Labs in Malmö, highlighted the importance of technology, especially in aiding children with learning difficulties. He argued that appropriate digital tools can make teaching more efficient.

However, at Malmö Borgarskola, students focus on non-digital learning. “Everyone uses digital devices during their free time, so I don’t think that’s something that should be taught in school,” Sallahi shared. “We learn much more easily when we use books,” added her classmate Aslan Özhan Kilicasan.