Finland has just banned smartphones in schools

Rather than a complete ban, the legislation enforces strict rules: phones must remain put away during classes, except when a teacher grants permission for pedagogical or health-related reasons. Educators also have the authority to confiscate phones if they cause disruptions. This new regulation replaces the varying rules that previously existed in individual schools. Tony Björk, principal of Mattliden Swedish High School, believes this uniformity is advantageous: “Having common rules at a national level is a very good thing.”

Finland joins a growing list of countries that restrict smartphone usage in educational settings. Nations like France, Italy, and Brazil have already implemented similar measures, often motivated by studies indicating the negative effects of phones on learning and mental health. For example, France instituted a ban on phones in primary and secondary schools back in 2018. Since then, other countries, including the Netherlands, Hungary, and Italy, have followed suit by establishing similar restrictions.

Numerous studies confirm the benefits of such a ban. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that even the mere presence of a phone, even if turned off, can diminish students’ attention and memory. Additionally, a UNESCO report indicated that academic performance is often poorer among students who frequently have access to smartphones in class.

Experts also remind us that while technology can enrich learning, it should not replace fundamental human interactions. According to Manos Antoninis, director of the Global Education Monitoring Report, it is crucial to adopt a balanced approach: “We need to teach children to coexist with and without technology, to filter useful information, while also preserving human interaction at the heart of learning.”

Beyond academic outcomes, lawmakers are concerned about the impact of phones on youth’s mental health. In Finland, as in other developed nations, the rates of anxiety and depression among young people are rising. Some researchers link this trend to excessive social media use and constant connectivity. This concern is mirrored in Brazil, where a similar ban has been enacted. Brazilian Education Minister Camilo Santana emphasized that student mental health was a key factor in implementing the law.

While the Finnish measure appears promising, its success will depend on effective implementation. Previous attempts in other countries have shown that applying such restrictions can sometimes be challenging. However, by establishing a national rule and reinforcing teachers’ authority, Finland hopes to cultivate a genuine cultural shift.

Moreover, those who have blocked Internet access on their smartphones have reported a significant change in their mood.