Finland tightens phone use in schools, why?

(Dan Tri) - A new law in Finland, effective from the next school year, officially prohibits students from using cell phones during class. In addition, schools are encouraged to proactively introduce more stringent regulations.

A new regulation introduced by Finnish authorities to limit students' use of mobile phones in schools will officially take effect from August 1, just before the new school year.

Finland is a Nordic country known for its high-quality education , but the country has seen its 15-year-olds' academic performance ratings decline in recent years.

Finnish authorities are concerned about the fact that students are gradually learning poorly because they are distracted by technological devices (Illustration: Straits Times).

Specifically, on the rankings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the math, reading and natural science abilities of 15-year-old students in Finland are showing signs of decline.

So a new law was quickly introduced into the Basic Education Act in Finland. This law was passed in April, specifically, Finnish students between the ages of 7 and 16 are not allowed to use phones during class.

Currently, Finnish students are only allowed to use phones and other mobile devices in class with teacher permission, for learning purposes or for special reasons.

Finnish education authorities are also encouraging schools to introduce stricter regulations than the basic rule. The aim is to limit students' use of mobile phones in school, including during mealtimes and breaks.

According to Finnish media, there are schools in this country that have soon required students to keep their phones in their bags or lockers during school hours, including during breaks.

There are schools that only allow students to use their phones during breaks, if they go out into the school grounds. This is to encourage them to walk, move, and go outside.

In the latest OECD survey, up to 41% of Finnish students said that using smart electronic devices distracted them during lessons.

The enactment of the new law is seen as an effort by Finnish authorities to improve the quality of students' learning and reduce distractions caused by technological devices in the school environment.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/phan-lan-siet-chat-su-dung-dien-thoai-o-truong-hoc-vi-sao-20250802094241168.htm