In an increasingly digital world, many of us have embraced the convenience of technology—especially in education. But what if this reliance on screens, especially in schools, was actually holding kids back? According to the Swedish government, screens might be a key reason behind the decline in academic performance, and they’re looking to reverse the trend.
The growing role of screens in schools
It’s no secret that technology has become a central part of our daily lives. From smartphones to laptops, children are now exposed to screens from a young age, both at home and in school. Many schools across the world, including in France, have integrated tablets and laptops into their curricula, offering students more interactive ways to engage with content. These devices help show documentaries, videos, and quizzes, and they also facilitate communication between teachers and parents. Gone are the days of the traditional school diary, replaced by apps like Pronote, which share updates on grades, schedules, and attendance.
Despite these advantages, the use of screens comes with significant downsides. Studies have shown that reading on a backlit screen can be more tiring than reading from paper, and it can also impact memory and comprehension, especially in younger students. This is where countries like Sweden have started to question the benefits of this tech-heavy approach to education.
Sweden’s concerns: Are screens to blame for lower academic performance?
While textbooks remain common in France, Sweden has seen a dramatic shift. For the past 15 years, traditional books have gradually been replaced by screens in Swedish schools. From middle school onward, students use PCs or tablets to do everything from researching information to taking notes. However, the convenience of digital learning comes with a challenge: many parents report difficulty in ensuring that their kids are staying on task, as the temptation of games, social media, or videos is just a click away.
In 2018, one in five children aged 5 to 8 in Sweden owned their own smartphone, and over half of French schoolchildren have one too. In fact, 12% of children aged 9 to 10 in France are already using smartphones. Despite the widespread use of technology in education, Sweden’s Minister of Education, Lotta Edholm, has raised concerns about the negative effects. She notes a lack of critical thinking and overconfidence in digital tools.
A push for a return to textbooks
In response, the Swedish government is now pivoting away from its previous embrace of modern educational tools. Even in preschools, children are being taught to read and write with tablets, but the government has begun investing in a return to more traditional methods. Sweden’s education system still ranks highly in reading comprehension within the European Union, but there’s been a noticeable decline in academic performance overall.
The Swedish government has allocated substantial funds to bring textbooks back into schools. Last year, they set aside 60 million euros, with 44 million more earmarked for this year and 2025. Their goal is simple: ensure every student has access to a book for each subject.
The big picture: Technology’s role in education
While it’s clear that technology has a major role to play in the future of education, the Swedish government’s stance raises important questions about balance. The rise of digital learning tools has certainly brought benefits, but it’s also come at the cost of traditional teaching methods that help build skills like critical thinking and deep comprehension. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how other nations adapt their education systems to find a balance between the digital world and the tactile benefits of old-school textbooks.
For now, Sweden’s decision to step back and reintroduce traditional books might just be the key to reigniting the learning process for today’s younger generation. The future of education may lie in finding the right balance, leveraging the power of both technology and traditional resources to support learning and growth.
