In brief
In an effort to tackle falling literacy levels among students, Sweden's government is promoting the return to physical books and writing tools in schools. This shift, aimed at enhancing concentration and reading skills, faces scrutiny from educators and tech advocates who warn it might hinder students' job prospects in a digital world. While some students appreciate the change, opinions are mixed on whether this is a step back or a necessary recalibration. The initiative includes banning mobile devices in schools and investing in textbooks, amid warnings of a potential digital skills gap for future generations.
Sweden's government is championing a renewed focus on physical books, paper and pens in classrooms, designed to reverse falling literacy levels.
But doubling down on analogue tools has drawn criticism from tech companies, educators, and computer scientists, who argue it could impact pupils' employment prospects and even damage the Nordic nation's economy.
At a high school in Nacka just outside Stockholm, final-year students are unpacking laptops from rucksacks alongside items they say they used less frequently a few years ago.
I now go home from school with new books and papers often, says Sophie, 18. She highlights that one teacher has started printing all the texts used during lessons, while a digital learning platform in maths has been replaced by textbook-only teaching.
This shift in focus presents an interesting contrast to Sweden's reputation as a tech-savvy nation, known for its digital skills and vibrant startup culture.
Recently, the right-wing coalition government that took power in 2022 initiated a strategy aimed at reducing screen time in education, coining the phrase från skärm till pärm (from screen to binder). Proponents argue that physical learning aids are essential for improving student concentration and skills.
Critics, however, warn that moving away from digital tools risks leaving students underprepared for future job markets, where digital skills are increasingly necessary.
A new report warns that while Sweden's educational policies have historically embraced technology, an abrupt return to traditional methods could inconvenience students seeking to enter a modern workforce. The shift has ignited debates regarding inequality in education and the potential impact on future innovation and entrepreneurship.
As the government sets ambitious plans for investing in textbooks and banning mobile phones in schools, the debate over the best tools for learning continues, revealing a deep divide among students themselves on the future of education in Sweden.
