Sweden plans to ban mobile phones from primary and middle schools to ensure students can focus on learning, the government announced on Wednesday, January 28th.
Under the proposed rule, pupils up to grade nine—roughly ages 15-16—would hand in their phones each morning and retrieve them at the end of the school day. According to an official spokesperson
Studies show that Swedish students are distracted by digital tools in the classroom more than their peers in the OECD on average…. The government is therefore proposing a ban on mobile phones throughout the school day.
Around 80% of Swedish primary and middle schools already have classroom phone bans, introduced at the discretion of principals. However, Education Minister Simona Mohamsson emphasized that a nationwide ban is necessary to make all schools mobile-free zones. “
It will decrease distractions in the classroom….[a] win for both teaching and mental health.
Mohamsson also noted that the ban could assist parents in managing screen time at home, as middle school students spend an average of almost seven hours per day on screens outside school.
If adopted by parliament, the ban would take effect in time for the start of the autumn term in August 2026 and would extend to after-school care facilities.
Sweden’s move follows similar measures in Europe, with countries restricting smartphone use to improve academic performance, reduce bullying, and encourage classroom engagement. Dutch schools have reported positive results from their ban and Finland implemented a similar approach years ago, while Ireland, Hungary, and Italy have all introduced similar restrictions in recent years.
