Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, Vantaa city will impose stricter regulations on the use of mobile devices among upper secondary school students, prohibiting their use during school hours. The intention behind this policy, according to Ilkka Kalo, the director of basic education in Vantaa, is to foster a more active lifestyle among students, improve recovery from class sessions, enhance social relationships, and protect brain health.

The initiative aligns with a broader legal framework that was introduced across Finland last August, which establishes guidelines for mobile device usage in schools. Previously, Vantaa had implemented a ban on mobile devices for lower school students (grades 1-6), while now extending these restrictions to upper secondary students (grades 7-9). This marks a significant shift in Vantaa's approach to mobile device regulations in education, emphasizing the importance of direct social interactions and overall student well-being.

With the increasing integration of technology in education, Vantaa's decision reflects a growing concern over the impact of mobile devices on student behavior and health. This move aims to create a more conducive learning environment by minimizing distractions and encouraging students to engage more actively with their peers and educators throughout the school day.