Finland bans phones inside classrooms, limited use with special permissions allowed within school

India Today

30-04-2025

Indian teachers want to do it badly. And they even try it unofficially. But Finland is now officially banning phones from classrooms, with the country's parliament passing a law to this effect. The law, approved on 29 April, will come into effect at the start of the autumn term in August 2025. It will apply to both primary and secondary schools across the country, noted Helsinki Times in a report. advertisementNow, Finland will still allow students to bring phones to school but they will be need to kept away in bags during the class. Although in rare circumstances the use will be allowed, for example in emergencies or if a phone is used as a tool by specially-abled students. But for these circumstances explicit permission will be needed before the phone can be used. If students are caught using phones in the classroom, the law also grants school staff the authority to confiscate mobile phones. Meanwhile, Finnish government has also asked schools to draw up clear guidelines on when and how digital devices can be used and stored throughout the school day. These internal rules may repeatedly further limit usage during breaks and free periods, depending on the individual school's discretion.advertisement
Calling the new law a necessary reform to ensure a more focused and peaceful learning atmosphere, Finland's education minister, Anders Adlercreutz, was quoted as saying by Helsinki Times: "I am pleased that the government has brought this important law across the finish line. The reform will give pupils better opportunities to focus on their education and develop meaningful social skills."The Finnish government has noted that the law banning smartphone use during class is not intended to keep the younger generation away from technology or eliminate technology from classrooms altogether. In fact, schools will continue using digital tools in education, in line with national curriculum standards. However, the law specifically targets the uncontrolled and often distracting use of smartphones that has become increasingly common in schools.Finland's new law to restrict smartphones in schools comes amid growing global concerns over the impact of excessive smartphone use among children and adolescents. Numerous studies have shown link between high levels of screen time and reduced attention spans, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased anxiety. In classroom settings, research has consistently shown that frequent phone use can interfere with ability of students to concentrate, retain information, and engage with peers. The laws and reforms in Finland aim to promote more guided and purposeful use of technology among the younger generation and even urge adults to set examples in this regard.