The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training has recently enforced a regulation that prohibits the use of mobile phones and smartwatches by students in schools. This ban, to a varying degree, applies to primary, lower secondary and secondary school pupils across Norway.

The Norwegian Education Minister, Kari Nessa Nordtun, announced that the strictest ban on mobile phone usage will apply to primary school students. As per the new regulations, the youngest children are not allowed to use their phones during lessons and breaks. While many schools have already imposed a ban on mobile phones, the principals and parents were expecting more clarity on the matter, Nordtun explained.

Lower secondary school students can use mobile phones and smartwatches during their free time between classes. Secondary school students are granted even more freedom with their mobile phones, as they are only banned from using them during classes.

The decision to ban or restrict the use of smartphones in Norwegian schools is based on research conducted by scientists and surveys of students, which found that mobile phones are causing problems with concentration, reading, and motivation in class.

Kari Nessa Nordtun emphasised that while mobile phones are not the only cause of these issues, they are a significant factor. Therefore, the ban on mobile phones is only one of several measures that will be taken to improve Norwegian students' academic performance and well-being. The restriction on phone use is expected to positively impact students' ability to focus and learn.

Source: PAP