Phone-free school, but what about the school computers?

1What the law says. In force since 1 August 2026.

Phones

Collected for the whole school dayIn compulsory school and after-school care. The head teacher can make exceptions.

Upper secondary

Not coveredThe school's own rules apply there, as before.

School computers

Not collectedThey are teaching tools. In lessons they are used as the teacher instructs.

School rules

Replace the old conduct rulesThe National Agency for Education's guidance on the new school rules is due by 1 January 2027.

2Swedish Schools Inspectorate, August 2025

3How to keep focus on school computers. Four things that work, with or without a tool.

1. 01Put the computers in the school rulesWhile you write the new school rules this autumn, say what the school computer is for in lessons, and what applies when the teacher is speaking.
2. 02Lids down when the computer is not neededDuring explanations and discussions the screens are down. It is the easiest rule to keep and to follow up.
3. 03Close what distracts, not what is neededGame sites and video can be blocked centrally for the whole school. Learning materials, documents and search must keep working.
4. 04Give the teacher an overviewA teacher who sees the whole class's screens can help in time, instead of walking round and finding out afterwards.

4Common questions.

Does the phone ban cover the school's computers?

No. The law covers pupils' own phones. School computers are not collected: they are teaching tools, used in lessons as the teacher instructs.

Is it enough to block game sites and filter the school network?

Teachers in compulsory school tell the National Agency for Education that filters, blocked sites and limits on downloading programs are not enough to stop unauthorised use during lessons. According to the Schools Inspectorate, it happened most often when pupils worked on their own, and the most common thing was playing games.