In an unexpected reversal, the Swedish government has decided to take a step back from digital learning tools and prioritize traditional textbooks in schools. Their decision stems from growing concerns over a decline in students’ academic performance—a trend they now attribute to the widespread use of screens in classrooms.
The Rise of Screens in Education
Technology has become an integral part of education, offering innovative ways to teach and engage students. Across many countries, including France, schools have integrated tablets and laptops alongside traditional textbooks. These digital tools have enabled teachers to showcase videos, run interactive quizzes, and improve communication with parents through platforms like Pronote, which replaces the traditional school diary with real-time updates on grades, attendance, and schedules.
While the benefits of screens in education are clear, they come with notable drawbacks. Studies show that reading on a backlit screen is more tiring than reading on paper, especially for young students. This can impact memory retention and make comprehension more difficult. Additionally, screens often exacerbate attention issues, particularly in children who already struggle to focus.
Sweden Points to Screens as a Key Culprit in Declining Academic Performance
Sweden has been a pioneer in adopting digital learning tools, replacing textbooks with laptops and tablets over the last 15 years. Students are encouraged to conduct research, write essays, and revise for exams almost entirely on their devices. But this shift has not come without challenges.
Swedish parents have voiced concerns about their children’s ability to stay focused while using screens. “It’s hard to know if they’re studying or watching YouTube videos,” said one parent. The prevalence of personal devices exacerbates the problem—by 2018, one in five Swedish children aged 5 to 8 already owned a smartphone, a trend mirrored in other countries like France, where more than half of primary school children have mobile phones.
Despite Sweden’s early embrace of technology in education, the country has observed a general decline in academic performance. Minister of Education Lotta Edholm has pointed out a worrying loss of critical thinking skills among students and an over-reliance on digital tools. “We thought we were modernizing education, but we overlooked the drawbacks,” she remarked.
Returning to Textbooks: A Bold Step Backward
In response to these concerns, the Swedish government has launched a campaign to reintegrate traditional textbooks into schools. Starting in 2023, they allocated €60 million to fund the initiative, followed by an additional €44 million in 2024 and 2025. The goal is to ensure that every student has at least one textbook per subject.
Interestingly, this shift is not limited to older students. Some Swedish preschools have been teaching children to read and write using tablets, but this approach is now being reconsidered. “We need to strike a balance between modern tools and proven teaching methods,” Edholm explained. By reintroducing printed materials, the government hopes to rebuild students’ foundational skills and foster deeper learning.
A Global Conversation on Education
Sweden’s experience adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the role of technology in education. While screens can make learning more interactive and accessible, they may also hinder critical development in young minds. The challenge lies in finding a middle ground where technology complements—not replaces—traditional teaching methods.
Countries that have followed similar paths, such as the UK, Spain, and France, will be closely watching the outcomes of Sweden’s pivot. For educators and policymakers, the Swedish decision is a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean moving forward—sometimes, it requires revisiting what worked in the past.
By putting textbooks back into the hands of students, Sweden is sending a clear message: education needs to focus on learning outcomes, not just innovation. Whether this decision sparks a global shift remains to be seen, but it certainly challenges the assumption that screens are the ultimate solution to modern education.