Finnish Schools: Reforms, Phone Bans, PISA Slide — 2026-09-02

Top developments

Education Minister praises phone ban impact in South Africa visit

Finland’s Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz, while visiting South Africa this week, stated that the year-long restriction on cellphone use in Finnish schools has transformed learning environments. He noted that "break times are full of noise" again, indicating a return to face-to-face social interaction and improved classroom focus. This comes as Finland continues to grapple with its declining PISA scores, positioning the phone ban as a key tool for restoring classroom discipline.

New school year begins with mandatory physical activity and language reforms

The 2026–27 academic year began across major Finnish cities including Helsinki, Oulu, and Jyväskylä with significant structural changes. New rules now mandate increased physical activity in early and primary education, aiming to combat sedentary habits linked to lower concentration levels. Additionally, reforms in language teaching and learning support systems are being implemented to address growing disparities in student outcomes.

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helsinkitimes.fi

helsinkitimes.fi

Debate intensifies over causes of PISA decline in Swedish-language media

Swedish-speaking media outlets are actively questioning whether the smartphone ban alone can reverse Finland's educational slide. An editorial in Ålands Tidningen argues that declining results in mathematics and mother tongue education began nearly 20 years ago, suggesting deeper structural issues beyond screen time. This perspective challenges the government's narrative that recent interventions like the phone ban are the primary solution to the long-term PISA slide.

Students and schools adjust to total phone lock-downs

In Helsinki, principals report that the full ban on mobile phones is working, with students adapting to the new rules despite initial resistance. Maarit Hosio, principal of Pukinmäenkaari comprehensive school, believes the strict enforcement is necessary for maintaining focus. While some students express frustration about not being able to check devices for important messages, many acknowledge the benefits of reduced digital distraction.

Local view

Local Finnish media highlights the practical implementation of these reforms. Helsingin Sanomat reports on individual school experiences, noting that while the phone ban is strict, schools are also extending the school week for some groups to accommodate new support measures. Meanwhile, Suomen Uutiset reports on political disagreements within the coalition government regarding further restrictions on social media use for minors, with MP Ari Koponen warning against "throwing the baby out with the bathwater".

Context & numbers

• Phone Ban Status: Finland implemented a nationwide school phone ban, which has now been in effect for approximately one year. The government cites improved classroom atmosphere as a primary success metric.
• PISA Trend: Finland’s PISA scores have been in decline for two decades. The gap between immigrant and non-immigrant students has narrowed, but largely due to a steeper decline in scores among non-immigrant students, according to earlier OECD data cited in recent discussions.
• Competence Guarantee: A new legislative proposal introduces a "competence guarantee" (osaamistakuu) to ensure all students leaving basic education possess sufficient reading, writing, and calculation skills. This aims to standardize assessment criteria, which teachers previously found too interpretive.

On the radar

• Lausunto Deadline: The National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus) is accepting statements on the new curriculum foundations for literacy training until September 11, 2026.
• Social Media Restrictions: Ongoing parliamentary debate on whether to extend the phone ban logic to broader social media access restrictions for children, with coalition parties showing divided opinions.