Helsinki schools enforce new mobile phone restrictions as academic year begins

The school year in Helsinki commenced today, marking the first day under new mobile phone restrictions. All schools have updated their regulations regarding phone usage, emphasizing that devices should not disrupt learning, interpersonal interactions, or concentration on schoolwork. Phones are prohibited during lessons unless explicitly permitted by the teacher. This stricter policy allows for clearer enforcement regarding phone use during school hours.

At the Kruununha School, restrictions were introduced last year, where teachers confiscate students’ smart devices in the morning and at the start of each class. Students can keep their phones in their backpacks if they show the teacher they are on silent mode.

Students, such as ninth-grader Otto Kotovirta and eighth-grader Kaapo Hyttinen, support the school’s phone-free policy, noting it helps them concentrate better without phone distractions during lessons. They observe that even during breaks, phone usage among students is limited, with Kotovirta stating, “People are not on their phones all the time; they’re socializing.”

However, some students find it challenging to part with their phones. Special education teacher Anne Riikola-Sarkkila acknowledges that for some, giving up their devices can be daunting. She also sees this issue as one of safety: maintaining a distraction-free classroom creates a secure environment, allowing students to focus rather than worry about social media or incoming messages.

The transition to phone-free classes at Kruununha School has not been entirely smooth, with some minor lapses observed over the year. However, after tightening guidelines, the school reports a successful implementation of the new rules. Exceptions do exist for important calls or medical devices, like insulin pumps, which must still follow strict usage protocols.

Furthermore, the policy regarding mobile phone use in schools is also tightening in Espoo as the new school year begins.