Finland has become the latest European country to impose strict legal restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, following a growing body of evidence suggesting digital devices negatively impact students’ attention, learning outcomes, and mental health.
Mobile phone ban in Finnish schools takes effect from August
The new law, approved by the Finnish parliament this week, will ban the use of mobile phones and other portable devices during lesson time in all schools. Students will only be allowed to use them if explicitly permitted by a teacher, and solely for educational or health-related purposes. The law is set to come into force on 1 August 2025.
Focus on learning and classroom calm
Education minister Anders Adlercreutz explained the rationale behind the move, stating: “Through this law, we give students better opportunities to concentrate on their studies and teachers the tools they need to create a calm working environment that supports learning.”
Adlercreutz also highlighted the importance of in-person social interaction, pointing out that excessive screen time during school hours limits meaningful communication among pupils. “School is not just a place for acquiring knowledge. It’s also a place where social skills are developed,” he said.
Students may use phones only for health or learning purposes
According to the legislation, mobile phones may still be used in class but only for specific learning tasks or to manage students’ own health. Any student disrupting a lesson with a mobile device may have it confiscated by a teacher or school principal. Moreover, all schools are now required to implement clear rules for mobile use and storage during lessons, meals, and breaks.
Finland joins growing trend across Europe
Finland’s decision reflects a broader trend in Europe. In Denmark, the Government recently announced its own plan to ban phones and private tablets in schools and after-school programs, citing concerns about the “colonisation by digital platforms.” A Danish wellbeing commission reported that 94% of children have social media profiles before age 13 and spend an average of three hours a day on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
France implemented a similar ban back in 2018 for primary and secondary schools and is now piloting a national “digital pause” for children under 15. Norway, meanwhile, has imposed a minimum age limit of 15 for social media use, criticising tech companies for targeting children’s cognitive development.
In the UK, although no national law exists, 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools enforce some form of phone restrictions.
Study on mobile device restrictions underway
To assess the impact of these restrictions, the Finnish department of education and culture has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive study on the national and international effects of limiting mobile use in schools. The results are expected by late 2026, and further legislative measures may follow based on the findings.
While some MPs pushed for an even stricter ban—extending to breaks and lunchtime—the law passed with broad support. It reflects a growing consensus among educators, psychologists, and policymakers about the need to protect students from the negative effects of digital overexposure.
As schools across Europe grapple with how to balance technology and education, Finland’s new law could set a precedent for a continent-wide shift in digital policy for younger generations.
