Sweden to ban mobile phones in schools starting fall, joining global trend away from classroom screens

Sweden, long regarded as a global leader in digital education, will ban mobile phones in schools starting in fall 2026, building on restrictions already independently adopted by many Swedish schools. The move is driven by falling literacy rates — nearly a quarter of Swedish ninth graders did not meet basic reading comprehension benchmarks in the 2022 OECD PISA study — and is part of a center-right government policy since 2023 prioritizing books and traditional learning tools. Alongside the ban, the government has allocated 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) for textbooks and teachers' guides, and a new book-based curriculum is expected by 2028. Cognitive science research cited by Lund University supports the shift, with experts noting that physical learning materials engage motor-sensory brain functions. However, critics including the Swedish Edtech Industry warn that 90% of future jobs will require digital skills, and some educators argue that certain software is critical for students with learning difficulties. The ban is part of a wider international trend, with Denmark preparing a similar measure, Finland having already restricted mobile devices in schools, and the Los Angeles Unified School District implementing its own screen limits.