Finnish Schools Revert to Books Amid Growing Concerns Over Screen Time

In Riihimaki, Finland, schools have reverted to using books after a decade of promoting laptops and digital devices. Concerns over the negative impact of screen time on children's focus and well-being have driven this change. Pupils and teachers report improved concentration and engagement with traditional learning tools.

This autumn, pupils in the Finnish town of Riihimaki returned to classrooms with backpacks full of books, marking a shift from a decade of state-supported digital learning methods. Finland's education system, globally praised for its innovative teaching techniques, had historically provided free laptops to students starting from age 11.

However, increasing concerns among parents and educators about the effects of screens on children led Riihimaki, a town 70 km north of Helsinki, to revert to pen and paper for the new academic year. The shift aims to address issues like distractions and restlessness attributed to constant digital device usage.

"Young people are heavily using phones and devices, and we didn't want schools to add to their screen time," said Maija Kaunonen, an English teacher at Pohjolanrinne middle school. The Finnish government, noting a decline in student performance, plans new legislation to limit personal device use during school hours.

(With inputs from agencies.)