In Finland, a mobile phone ban that came into effect in autumn 2025 has been positively received by principals across several schools. Interviews with seven school leaders reveal a consensus that the change has enhanced daily life in upper secondary schools. They have observed increased social interaction among students, along with a notable reduction in bullying incidents. For example, Hanna Alava, the principal of the Salpausselkä School in Lahti, highlighted that students are now more engaged in face-to-face interactions, often looking one another in the eye and greeting each other, which she finds encouraging.

Additionally, the ban has allowed traditional games and activities to fill the void left by screen time. Schools have reportedly invested in board games, card games, and other interactive play materials to encourage interaction among students. Anna Renko, principal of Joensuu Lyseon School, mentioned that their newly acquired board games and table tennis equipment are being heavily utilized by students, emphasizing a shift back towards physical play and away from digital distractions. Similarly, Henry Leppäaho from Nurmo Upper School noted an increase in meaningful conversations and interactions among students, indicating that their attention is now focused on social engagement rather than mobile devices.

Overall, the mobile phone ban in Finnish upper secondary schools appears to have a revitalizing effect on student interactions, promoting a more relaxed and engaging educational environment. This shift not only highlights the potential downsides of technology in social settings but also suggests that structured changes can lead to positive social outcomes in schools.