New Zealand joins global trend banning phones in schools as literacy declines

Sweden's Shift Towards Traditional Learning

Sweden, a country known for its progressive approach to digital technology, is taking a bold step by planning to ban mobile phones in schools starting from the next academic year. This move is part of a global trend where various nations are rethinking the role of screens in classrooms.

Since 2023, the centre-right coalition government in Sweden has been pushing for policies that aim to increase reading time and reduce screen time, especially among preschool students. The focus is on traditional learning tools like books, which are seen as more beneficial for young minds.

Lawmaker Joar Forsell, chairperson of the Swedish parliament's education committee, highlighted concerns about declining reading and writing abilities among younger students. He stated, “We’re rolling the screens back because we believe that books and more traditional ways of learning are better for kids.”

This initiative is not unique to Sweden. Other countries, including Denmark and Finland, have also taken steps to limit the use of mobile devices in schools. In Spain and South Korea, similar measures have been implemented, ranging from outright bans to restrictions on screen-based homework.

A Broader Digital Reckoning

The Los Angeles Unified School District, one of the largest school districts in the U.S., has announced plans to ban screens until second grade, impose daily screen time caps, and prohibit YouTube. They also intend to conduct an audit of all education technology contracts.

Sweden, home to tech giants like Spotify and Ericsson, has one of the most digitally advanced education systems globally. However, the mobile phone ban aims to create learning environments with fewer distractions. Many schools in Sweden already have independent restrictions on phone use.

In addition to the ban, the government has allocated 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) for purchasing textbooks and teachers’ guides. This move is driven by concerns over falling reading levels. According to the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment, 24.3% of Swedish ninth graders did not reach a basic level of reading comprehension, which is slightly better than the EU average of 26.2%.

Magnus Haake, an associate professor at Lund University, explained that using physical materials engages the motor sensory part of children’s brains, boosting overall learning.

Practical Implementation and Student Perspectives

At Malmö Borgarskola high school, mobile phones are already banned during classes. Students place their devices in a box called a "Mobile Hotel" and retrieve them at the end of class. Melina Sallahi, a 17-year-old student, noted that having a phone is less of a distraction.

Vasilije Stjepanovic, another 17-year-old student, added that apps like games or social media are more fun than learning. He believes that removing phones helps students focus better.

While every student is given a laptop, they are discouraged from using it in class unless instructed by teachers. Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander emphasized that the shift is towards more hands-on learning, such as writing with pencils.

Starting last summer, children under two years old can only use non-digital materials like books. Preschoolers generally face no requirement to use digital learning tools. A new curriculum prioritizing book-based learning is expected in 2028.

Divisions Over Digital Reckoning

Not everyone supports this shift away from digital learning. The Swedish Edtech Industry reported that 90% of future jobs will require digital skills. A lack of these skills could lead to a skills shortage, reduced innovation, and increased unemployment, according to the report.

Peter Carlsson, CEO of Imvi Labs, argued that not all screens disrupt learning. He mentioned that some software is critical for helping children with learning or reading difficulties. “By having good tools, teaching can become more efficient,” he said.

However, at Malmö Borgarskola, there is little concern over learning digital skills. Students often use textbooks and discuss subjects like Russian history while preparing for exams. Melina Sallahi noted that everyone uses digital devices during free time, so she doesn’t think it should be taught in school.

Aslan Özhan Kilicasan added, “We learn much more easily when we use books.” This sentiment reflects a growing belief among students that traditional methods are more effective for learning.