Indian teachers want to do it badly. And they also try it informally. But Finland is now officially banning the phone from classrooms, the country’s Parliament is passing a law to this effect. The approved law on 29 April will be applicable in August 2025 in the beginning of the autumn period. This will apply to both primary and secondary schools across the country, in a report Helsinki Times said.

Now, Finland will still allow students to bring phones to school, but they will need to keep them away in the bag during class. Although use in rare conditions will be allowed, for example in an emergency or if a phone is used as a tool especially by competent students. But these circumstances will require clear permission before using the phone.

If students are caught using a phone in the classroom, the law gives school employees the right to seize mobile phones. Meanwhile, the Finnish government has also asked schools when and how digital devices can be used and can be stored throughout the school day. These internal rules can limit frequent use during brakes and free periods, depending on the discretion of the individual school.

Calling the new law is an essential improvement to ensure a more concentrated and peaceful learning environment, Finland’s Education Minister, Anders Adultrz was asked by the Helsinki Times: “I am glad that the government has brought this important law into the finish line. Improvement will give Pupils a better opportunity to focus on their education and develop meaningful social skills.”

The Finnish government has noted that the law to ban the use of smartphones during class is not intended to keep the younger generation away from technology or to end technology completely from classrooms. In fact, school will continue to use digital devices in education to suit national course standards. However, the law targets specifically uncontrolled and often distracted use of smartphones that have become rapidly common in schools.

Finland’s new law to ban smartphones in schools comes amid increasing global concerns on the impact of excessive smartphone use between children and adolescents.

Many studies have shown links between high levels of screen time and have increased attention, disrupt sleep patterns, and an increase in anxiety. In class settings, research has consistently shown that the use of the phone may interfere with the ability to focus, maintain information and attach to colleagues. Laws and reforms in Finland aims to promote more guided and purposeful use of technology among the younger generation and even urge adults to set examples in this regard.