Sweden is set to ban mobile phones in schools starting from the next academic year as part of a broader policy shift aimed at reducing screen time and strengthening traditional learning methods.
The decision comes as the country, long considered one of the world’s most digitally advanced education systems, moves to reverse the growing reliance on screens in classrooms. The policy will take effect in the fall and applies across schools nationwide.
Lawmakers say the change is driven by concerns over declining reading and writing skills among students. Joar Forsell, chair of the Swedish parliament’s education committee, said authorities have observed a noticeable drop in literacy levels, particularly among younger students.
“We’re rolling the screens back because we believe that books and more traditional ways of learning are better for kids,” Forsell said.
The move is part of a wider international shift away from unrestricted use of digital devices in schools. Several countries, including Denmark and Finland, have introduced or are considering similar restrictions, while others across Europe, Asia, and the United States have implemented partial bans or screen-time limits in classrooms, news agencies reports.
Under Sweden’s new approach, emphasis will be placed on reading books and using traditional teaching materials. The government has also allocated 555 million Swedish krona ($59 million) in grants to support the purchase of textbooks and teachers’ guides.
The policy follows results from international assessments showing that nearly a quarter of Swedish ninth graders failed to reach basic reading comprehension levels, slightly above the European Union average.
Education experts supporting the reform argue that physical learning materials improve focus and cognitive retention. Magnus Haake, an associate professor of cognitive science at Lund University, said hands-on learning helps strengthen memory and engagement.
However, critics warn that reducing digital exposure could leave students underprepared for a technology-driven job market. Industry groups argue that digital literacy remains essential for future employment and innovation.
In Malmö, schools have already begun restricting phone use during lessons. At Malmö Borgarskola high school, students are required to place their phones in a designated “Mobile Hotel” box during class, collecting them only at the end of lessons.
Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander said the shift reflects a growing recognition that fewer digital distractions improve learning outcomes, adding that handwriting and traditional note-taking help students retain information more effectively.
Despite concerns from some education technology advocates, many students appear supportive of the change, saying smartphones are more distracting than helpful during class.
Sweden is expected to roll out a revised curriculum by 2028, further reinforcing its move toward book-based learning while maintaining limited digital instruction where necessary.
