The Finnish Parliament has adopted legislation that restricts the use of smartphones and other electronic devices by students in primary and secondary schools during the day.
The legislators say that concerns about the well-being of students and the quality of their learning environment were the motor factors of the new policy. The new rules should come into force at the start of the next school year in August.
The law does not fully prohibit the use of mobile phones in school premises. Rather, it gives power to teachers on the advisability of allowing or refusing the use of devices during class hours.
“I think it is good to have uniform rules for schools because there has been a little variability. In the Swedish schools of Finland, we have had more uniformity for some time, but taking into account the whole nation, it is a very good thing, “said Tony Björk, director of Mattliden Swedish High School.
Students will have to obtain the special teachers' permission to use their phone, help them in studies or deal with personal health issues, for example.
“We have to focus on the lesson, and have the mobile as in your pocket can be distracting,” said a Finnish student, “but I think that during breaks, we should be allowed to have it.”
But other students believe that the new law is not necessary, arguing that phones are not a distraction for all students and see no reason to assert the prohibition of a legal level.
“I understand, but I still think it's a little useless,” said another student.
“But I know, as, I only see from their point of view, but I have the impression, do they not trust us, you know, that they must restrict it completely?”, Did another student.
The new law also gives school staff the power to confiscate students' mobile devices if they have caused teaching or learning problems.
At the end of last year, Finland Minister of Education, Anders Adlercreutz (SPP), stressed that the digital skills of children will always be supported despite telephone restrictions.
Additional sources • EBU
