Western European schools shift back to printed textbooks amid screen-time concerns
Several Western European nations are phasing out tablets and laptops in classrooms, returning to paper textbooks to improve focus and reading skills.
A number of Western European education systems are rolling back recent digitalisation efforts by removing tablets, laptops and smartphones from classrooms and reinstating paper textbooks. Sweden, Finland and Norway, often cited as leaders in modern education, cite research linking heavy screen exposure to lower reading comprehension and reduced attention spans among 15- to 16-year-olds. To support the transition, governments have earmarked funds for new printed textbooks and teacher guides, and have set timelines for curricula to rely solely on printed materials.
The policy shift also aligns with broader restrictions on mobile phone use in schools across France, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands. Officials hope the return to paper will boost student concentration, reading performance and overall engagement in school activities.
Why it matters
The policy change could affect how millions of European students learn, potentially improving focus and literacy.
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