Sweden to ban mobile phones in schools as part of international shift away from classroom screens

Sweden, historically a leader in educational technology adoption, is reversing course by banning mobile phones in schools starting next academic year as part of a broader policy to increase reading time and reduce screen time. The decision follows observations of declining reading and writing abilities among Swedish students, particularly younger ones, with 2022 OECD data showing 24.3% of ninth graders failed to achieve basic reading comprehension. The government has allocated 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) for textbooks and teachers' guides to support the transition. Sweden's ban is part of an international trend, with Denmark preparing similar legislation, Finland having implemented restrictions last August, and countries including Spain, South Korea, and the Los Angeles Unified School District taking various steps to limit classroom screen use. Education officials argue that physical learning materials engage motor sensory brain functions more effectively than digital devices, while students at schools already implementing phone bans report reduced distractions and improved focus.