Starting next August, Vantaa has decided to prohibit upper secondary school students from using mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, during school hours. This decision, communicated by the city of Vantaa, aims to improve student well-being, streamline schoolwork, and enhance social relationships among students. Previously, mobile devices have been completely banned for lower primary school students.

The city has been monitoring the impact of mobile devices on children's school days and believes that reducing their usage can lead to better well-being and smoother school experiences. The growing body of research surrounding the impact of mobile devices on areas such as physical activity, social relations, ergonomics, and brain development is becoming clearer. City officials, including Ilkka Kalo, the director of basic education in Vantaa, emphasize that actions taken should be informed by the latest research findings.

The restriction is intended to promote students' physical activity, facilitate rest during lessons, nurture good social interactions, and protect brain health. This decision reflects a broader trend in Finnish education policy that seeks to balance the integration of technology in learning environments with the well-being of students, ensuring that their social and educational needs are met adequately.