Finnish Parliament voted on Tuesday to approve a law that restricts the use of mobile devices by pupils at primary and secondary schools.

The new rules are expected to come into force after the summer break, in August.

The law does not entirely ban the use of mobile phones at school, and their use will be permitted in certain situations. But generally, the use of phones during class time will be prohibited.

Pupils will need to get special permission from teachers to use their phones, to assist them in studies, or to take care of personal health-related matters, for example.

The new law also gives school staff members the authority to confiscate mobile devices from pupils if they have caused teaching or learning disruptions.

Late last year, Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) emphasised that kids’ digital skills will still be supported despite the phone restrictions.

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