Pori ends unrestricted internet access in schools taking aim at student distractions

The period of unrestricted internet use in schools in Pori has come to an end. As of this week, students can no longer access popular websites such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp during school hours. As the autumn progresses, teachers will have enhanced capabilities to monitor students’ online activities, including the option to completely disable internet access or take control of the student’s screen. This aims to reduce distractions, as teachers can now easily check on students’ screens at any time.

Pori is among the cities providing students with personal devices for schoolwork, which they can also take home. In Pori, students receive devices starting from the fourth grade, while in cities like Lahti, the distribution begins in the seventh grade. Lahti has already made significant progress with a pilot program, implementing software in the past spring to allow teachers to manage students’ devices. Minna Ahonen, coordinator of basic education development in Lahti, noted that this has positively impacted classroom focus and alleviated teachers’ stress regarding student distractions.

In Pori, some educators are testing two or three remote management applications this fall. Teemu Heino, an expert in digital services within the city’s education sector, is still assessing which application will be most beneficial. One option includes a program that creates controlled testing environments, limiting students to access only specific sites or files designated by their teachers.

As the school year continues, schools are considering the potential of restricting device use during students’ free time. Although technically possible, no decisions have been made yet regarding locking devices during evening hours, as opinions among families vary. Ahonen emphasizes the importance of considering all viewpoints, as parents have expressed a desire for such restrictions to be applied at home as well.