The Finnish parliament has passed legislation which restricts the use of smartphones and other electronic devices by students in primary and secondary schools during the day.
Lawmakers say concern over the students’ wellbeing and the quality of their learning environment were the driving factors behind the new policy. The new rules are expected to roll into effect at the beginning of the next school year in August.
The law does not entirely ban the use of mobile phones on school premises. It instead hands the power over to teachers on whether to permit or deny the use of devices during class time.
“I think it’s good to have uniform rules for schools because there’s been a bit of variability. In Finland’s Swedish schools, we’ve had more uniformity for some time, but considering the entire nation, it’s a really good thing,” said Tony Björk, Principal of Mattliden Swedish High School.
Pupils will need to get special permission from teachers to use their phones, to assist them in studies, or to take care of personal health-related matters, for example.
“We should focus on the lesson, and having the mobile like in your pocket can be distracting,” said a Finnish student, “But I think during breaks, we should be allowed to have it.”
But other students believe the new law is unnecessary, arguing that phones are not a distraction to all pupils and see no reason to enforce a ban on a legal level.
“I understand it, but I still feel it’s a bit unnecessary,” said another student.
“But I know, like, I only see from their perspective, but I feel like, do they not trust us, you know, that they have to restrict it completely?,” argued another student.
The new law also gives school staff members the authority to confiscate mobile devices from pupils if they have caused teaching or learning disruptions.
Late last year, Finland´s Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) emphasized that kids’ digital skills will still be supported despite the phone restrictions.
Additional sources • EBU
