Inga Sæland introduces nationwide phone restrictions in schools

Education and Children’s Minister Inga Sæland signed regulations on Thursday restricting the use of phones and smart devices during school hours in compulsory schools and after-school centres, mbl.is reports.

The regulations establish coordinated rules for phone-free time in compulsory schools across Iceland for the first time. The aim is to improve the learning environment, promote children’s wellbeing and strengthen social connections and a positive school culture, according to the ministry.

Sæland said children had the right to attend school in an environment where they could concentrate, talk, play and spend time together without constant disruption from phones.

“Phone-free time is not about turning our backs on technology, but about putting children’s wellbeing first. We adults are responsible for creating this peace for them and also teaching them to use technology responsibly,” she said.

The regulations follow legislation approved by Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, earlier this year. The draft regulations were circulated for consultation in June, and the Ministry of Education and Children says it has reviewed the feedback.

Under the new rules, students may not use phones or smart devices that are not owned or managed by the school or after-school centre during school hours. The devices must not be accessible to students and must be stored according to arrangements set by each school or centre.

Each school will establish detailed rules on storage, access to devices and their return. The rules must be communicated to both parents and students.

The restrictions apply throughout the school day, including breaks, lunch periods, field trips and school-related travel. They also cover after-school centres and leisure and social activities that form part of the daily school programme.

Phones and smart devices owned or managed by schools may still be used when they serve an educational purpose or meet students’ support needs. The regulations are therefore not a ban on digital technology in school activities, but a framework defining when and how it may be used.

Exemptions may be granted when a device is necessary because of a student’s health, disability, special needs or educational needs. They may also apply when a device is used as an assistive or support tool for communication, safety or organisation. Temporary, justified exemptions may be granted when a student’s interests warrant them.

The regulations will be published in the Official Journal in the coming days and will take effect at that point. School principals will oversee their implementation in schools, while managers of after-school centres will be responsible for implementation in their centres. The ministry says efforts should be made to build broad agreement among members of the school community.