Comprehensive school pupils not allowed to use mobile devices during lessons without permission
Comprehensive school pupils are not allowed to use phones, tablets, headphones, watch phones or smartwatches during school lessons, except for learning purposes with the teacher’s permission. However, assistive technology and mobile devices used as a learning aid or for health reasons are allowed with the teacher’s or principal’s permission.
“We want to promote learning environments that support learning, concentration and well-being and limit unnecessary use of mobile devices during the school day," says Head of Education Division Satu Järvenkallas.
Instructions for recess, transitions and lunchtime too
The use of mobile devices is prohibited also during school lunch, and all schools will keep at least some recess time as mobile-free. Schools will inform pupils’ parents and guardians about any school-specific policies at parents and guardians’ information events at the beginning of the school year and on Wilma. The school in Helsinki year begins on 7 August 2025.
“Our general recommendation is that mobile devices should not be used at all during school lunch, recess and transitions when pupils move from one place to another. However, individual school may have different rules on the use of smartphones during recess for pupils of different ages. This could mean that pupils in grades 1–6 (approx. age 7 to 14) are not allowed to use their smartphones at all during recess, but pupils in grades 7–9 (approx. Age 14 to 16) are allowed to use them during one recess, for example," say Head of Basic Education Ville Raatikainen and Head of Swedish-language Basic Education Niclas Rönnholm about the different ways forward.
Comprehensive schools have the option of offering phone lockers for pupils, in which case the school will be responsible for the mobile devices for the school day. If the school's rules instruct pupils to keep their mobile devices in their backpacks or otherwise in their possession, the pupil is responsible for the device.
Use of mobile devices in schools discussed in the spring
The changes to school rules were drafted based on the discussion with school staff and pupils in spring 2025. In addition to this, schools also asked parents and guardians for their opinions through surveys. The changes to school rules have been approved by school boards.
