Helsinki.- The Finnish administration revealed on Monday a legislative initiative that seeks to limit the use of mobile phones in primary schools throughout the full class schedule, in order to boost student concentration and ensure a calmer learning environment.
With implementation scheduled for the start of the next school year, the law will prevent students from using their mobile phones and other electronic devices during class hours, recess periods and the lunch break, unless a teacher permits it for educational or health reasons.
Educational institutions will have to adapt their internal regulations to this new legislation and will be responsible for collecting and safeguarding the mobile phones at the start of the school day, as well as confiscating those devices from students who violate the rule.
According to a note from the Finnish Ministry of Education, this legal change also aims to promote equality among students, given that until now the decision to restrict or allow mobile phone use fell to each educational institution individually.
Although not explicitly stated, the government’s intention is to raise the academic performance of primary students, whose PISA scores have been declining since this Nordic country reached top positions in previous editions.
In addition to limiting mobiles, the new legislation encourages an “active lifestyle” by promoting increased physical activities among students of all ages.
image credits for this post: Deultimominuto.net
