Sweden to ban mobile phones in schools as global restrictions gain momentum

Sweden is set to introduce a nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools from the next academic year, joining a growing list of countries that are limiting student access to smartphones during the school day in an effort to improve learning outcomes and reduce distractions.

The move forms part of a broader education strategy that emphasizes traditional learning methods, including greater reliance on printed textbooks and reduced screen exposure.

The Swedish government has allocated 555 million Swedish kronor to support the purchase of textbooks and teachers' guides as it seeks to strengthen foundational reading and writing skills among students.

Swedish policymakers have expressed concern about declining literacy levels among children and adolescents.

Schools that already require students to surrender their phones at the start of the day have reported improved classroom concentration and fewer interruptions during lessons.

Sweden's decision reflects a wider international trend. According to UNESCO, 114 education systems worldwide now have national policies restricting or banning mobile phones in schools.

France was among the first countries to implement a nationwide restriction, banning mobile phones for students up to age 15 during the school day in 2018. Italy has maintained classroom restrictions since 2007 and has tightened the rules in recent years.

List of countries with nationwide phone bans or restrictions in schools

Several countries have introduced similar measures over the past few years. China prohibited mobile phone use in classrooms without permission in 2021, while the Netherlands introduced broad restrictions on phones, tablets, and smartwatches in classrooms in 2024.

In 2025, Brazil restricted phone use throughout the school day, while Finland introduced a ban on mobile phones during lessons unless specifically authorized by teachers. Austria, Ireland, Belgium, and Portugal have also adopted various forms of school-day restrictions.

Additional measures are expected in 2026. Chile and South Korea are set to enforce nationwide classroom phone restrictions, while Poland is planning a ban for students aged 7 to 15. Denmark is also considering a phone-free schools policy with government backing.

Hungary implemented national restrictions on phone use during school hours in 2024, adding to the growing list of countries seeking to limit digital distractions in educational settings.

Not all countries have adopted nationwide bans. In Spain, policies differ across autonomous regions, while Germany allows individual states and schools to determine their own rules.

Romania and Slovakia have introduced classroom-based restrictions rather than comprehensive school-wide prohibitions.

The expanding number of restrictions suggests a significant shift in education policy worldwide. Governments increasingly view mobile phones as a challenge to student attention and classroom engagement.

While approaches vary from country to country, the debate has largely moved beyond whether phones should be restricted and now centers on the extent of those restrictions and how they should be implemented.