Tampere implements new guidelines to reduce mobile phone usage in upper secondary schools

The city of Tampere is implementing a new guideline aimed at reducing mobile phone usage during classes in upper secondary schools. Starting this autumn semester, students will be required to hand over their phones for the duration of lessons. While this is a strong recommendation, it is not a formal ban, as current legislation prohibits schools from completely forbidding mobile phones.

This decision was influenced by positive feedback from trials carried out in the previous semester, according to Ville Raatikainen, the director of basic education in Tampere. Earlier today, a report highlighted a summer camp where phone usage is largely prohibited, with young participants admitting that being without their phones was challenging at times.

Although existing laws don’t allow outright bans, school regulations can still impose restrictions on phone usage. Raatikainen believes that the current legislation and school policies are adequate. Despite his general concern regarding the use of phones among the youth, he trusts that educators can manage the situation effectively within the framework of current guidelines.

The education union has suggested that teachers should have the authority to confiscate phones proactively, rather than only in disruptive situations. According to Pauliina Viitamies, a leading specialist from the education union, disruptions caused by phones consume significant time during lessons.

In addition to Tampere, other cities like Helsinki are also exploring measures to decrease mobile phone usage in schools. The government has expressed the desire to tackle the issue through legislation and aims to establish uniform regulations across all schools soon, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines without overburdening educational staff.