Sweden bans phones in schools. The government has allocated millions for lockers

Sweden's Minister of Education and Integration, Simona Mohamsson, emphasizes that the ban aims to improve students' concentration and increase learning efficiency.

I am convinced that the ban will allow students to focus on their studies, says Mohamsson.

The government has allocated as much as 95 million kronor (approximately EUR 8.6 million) to purchase special lockers and shelves where students will be able to leave their phones. In many schools, parents have already received letters asking their children not to bring smartphones to schools at all. However, if they choose to take it, they will need to deposit it while they are at school.

Changing habits - watches and alarm clocks are coming back into favor

Along with the new regulations, there were also recommendations that children should use traditional watches and be woken up at home by classic alarm clocks, not telephones.

This is a return to analog solutions that are intended to help reduce digital distractions.

An alternative to smartphones - new forms of entertainment

Some schools decided to go a step further and invested in non-digital forms of entertainment for students. During breaks, children can play billiards or other traditional games, which is intended to promote integration and physical activity.

The guide for teachers will be available in two years

Although the ban is already in force, an official guide for teachers on enforcing the new regulations is expected to be released only at the beginning of 2027. Until then, schools will have to deal with possible problems and challenges on their own.

Let us remind you that also in Poland - from September 1, 2026 - there will be a ban on using mobile phones and other communication devices in primary schools and kindergartens. At the beginning of July, the Sejm passed the appropriate act. Initially, the amendment to the Education Law was to cover only primary schools. However, it was eventually expanded.