The Finnish Parliament has passed a law restricting the use of smartphones and other electronic devices by elementary and middle school students during the day.
Lawmakers say concerns about student well-being and the quality of the learning environment are the drivers behind the new policy. The new rules are expected to come into effect at the beginning of the next school year in August.
The law does not completely prohibit the use of mobile phones in school facilities. Instead, they hand over the power to the teacher about whether to allow or deny the use of the device during class hours.
“There was a bit of variation, so I think it’s good that there are uniform rules for schools. In Swedish schools in Finland, it’s been more uniform for a while, and that’s really good,” said Tony Bjork, principal of Matriden Sweden High School.
Students must obtain special permission from teachers, assist with research, or take care of individual health-related issues to use their mobile phones.
“We should focus on lessons and the phones that are in your pocket can be distracting,” said a Finnish student.
However, other students believe that the new law is unnecessary, and argue that calls are not distracting for all students and that there is no reason to enforce legal-level bans.
“I understand that, but I still feel a little unnecessary,” another student said.
“But I can only see from their perspective, but I feel they don’t trust us.
The new law also gives school staff the authority to confiscate mobile devices from students if they cause disruption to teaching or learning.
Late last year, Finnish Minister of Education Anders Adleretz (SPP) emphasized that despite phone restrictions, digital skills for children are still supported.
Additional sources •EBU
