Sweden Dumps €100 Million into Cutting Screens in Schools to Protect Children’s Learning and Development
Sweden is reversing years of digital dominance in classrooms, investing over €100 million to reduce screen use and bring back printed textbooks, citing concerns that excessive screen time may harm children’s attention, memory, and overall development.
The country is making a bold shift in education policy, moving away from heavy reliance on digital devices in classrooms after research indicated that prolonged screen use may undermine children’s learning and cognitive growth. The government has committed over €100 million to bring back printed textbooks and reduce screen exposure, emphasizing the importance of balanced learning.
For more than a decade, Swedish students have used laptops and tablets for almost every aspect of schooling, from research to note-taking and interactive lessons. While technology offers convenience, studies show that reading on screens demands more cognitive effort than paper and can weaken attention and memory retention, especially in younger children.
Excessive screen use has also been linked to distractions that reduce focus and critical thinking. Surveys indicate that by age five, many children already own smartphones, and by middle school, students often spend the majority of their school day on digital devices, even during lessons. Experts warn that this overexposure can hinder deep learning and social-emotional development.
In response, the Swedish Ministry of Education launched a multi-year plan to reintroduce printed textbooks for all subjects. Between 2023 and 2025, the government has allocated 104 million euros to this effort, aiming to balance the benefits of digital tools with the proven advantages of traditional learning.
Child development specialists note several key benefits:
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Enhanced cognition: Physical books support deeper comprehension and long-term retention.
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Improved attention: Limiting screens helps children focus and fully engage with lessons.
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Balanced growth: Reducing digital exposure supports emotional regulation, social skills, and healthy study habits.
“Children’s brains are still developing,” said a Swedish education researcher. “Too much screen time can interfere with concentration, memory, and reasoning. Printed books give children the best chance to thrive alongside technology.”
Sweden’s move highlights a growing global debate about screens in education. While digital tools can enhance learning when used strategically, this initiative underscores that technology should complement, not replace, traditional methods, particularly for children in crucial developmental stages.
Child-rights advocates emphasize that schools have a duty to protect children from learning environments that may harm their development. By carefully managing screen time and prioritizing methods that promote focus, comprehension, and critical thinking, Sweden aims to safeguard children’s right to a high-quality education.
As other nations watch, Sweden’s €100 million experiment may set a model for balancing innovation with child-centered education, ensuring technology serves learning rather than distracting from it.
