Denmark is massively shifting away from its previous progressive direction towards e-learning to the burgeoning popularity of a mobile-free school approach; students are required to place their smartphones in a secure location when in school. This has emerged as a new trend sweeping across the nation which reflects growing concern about the distraction that unbridled mobile phone usage leads to amongst its students in terms of their concentration and socializing capabilities and well-being generally.
The policy has been permanent at Trongårdsskolen in Kongens Lyngby, near Copenhagen, since a pilot program proved successful. In the early years, students were allowed to bring their mobile phones to class, but they were not supposed to have them operative during lessons. There developed a pattern of distractions triggered by messages and calls, and a dependency on these small computers caused teachers to call for a complete ban. This is “the best of his career” for Bent Povlsen, who has been teaching for 38 years, since the decisions brought good engagement of the students, more physical activity, and better academic performance.
The students, who at one time opposed the change, according to Povlsen now have the advantages. Students like Eva, 14, and Louise, 12, have reported feeling more present and social, with fewer peers distracted by their phones. “It helped a lot,” said Eva, “People started talking with friends more and doing activities outside of school.”
This shift is part of a broader trend in Denmark, where digital learning tools were once at the forefront of educational policy. The government’s focus on technology integration in schools, backed by significant funding in the early 2010s, has now shifted towards more analogue methods. The Ministry of Education recently issued guidelines recommending the restriction of mobile phone use and a return to traditional teaching methods.
Experts, such as Jesper Balslev from the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, emphasize that reducing screen time can improve student focus, memory, and social skills. Denmark’s approach aligns with broader European trends, with other countries, including France and Greece, also restricting mobile phones in schools.
As Denmark reconsiders its reliance on technology in the classroom, the mobile phone ban marks a significant turning point, focusing on fostering stronger teacher-student relationships and promoting healthier, more engaging learning environments.
