Sweden to introduce nationwide ban on cell phones in schools from 2026

Starting in the 2026/2027 school year, Sweden will introduce a nationwide ban on cell phones in schools for students aged 7 to 16.

According to the British newspaper The Guardian, schools and school clubs are required to collect the devices at the beginning of the day and return them only after classes have ended.

The aim is to improve children's concentration and ensure a safe environment. The measure is part of a comprehensive school reform for which the government has allocated 95 million Swedish kronor (8.3 million euros) for 2026 and 100 million (8.7 million euros) for 2027.

Education Minister Simona Mohamsson described the ban as a historic step. Sweden is thus joining countries such as Denmark and France, which have already introduced similar rules.

The ban builds on existing regulations from 2022 that only allowed the use of cell phones in class for learning purposes.

Parliament still has to confirm the draft, but approval is considered certain.

(red)