The rise of technology in education was once heralded as the key to modernizing classrooms and enhancing learning. However, Sweden, a country often at the forefront of educational innovation, has sounded the alarm: excessive use of screens in schools may be doing more harm than good. The Swedish government is now pushing to reintroduce traditional textbooks as a way to counter the academic decline linked to digital tools.
How Screens Took Over Classrooms ?
Over the past 15 years, Sweden embraced a digital-first approach to education. From primary schools to high schools, tablets and laptops became staples in classrooms. Students were encouraged to use these devices for everything from conducting research to revising for exams. While this method offered interactivity and instant access to resources, it also presented challenges.
Many parents voiced concerns about whether their children were genuinely studying or merely getting distracted by games and videos. Studies have shown that reading on backlit screens can strain the eyes and lead to fatigue, making it harder for students to retain information compared to reading on paper. Moreover, young learners often struggle to develop critical thinking skills when relying heavily on digital tools, a point echoed by Sweden’s Minister of Education, Lotta Edholm.
A Decline in Academic Standards
Despite Sweden’s reputation for educational excellence, a noticeable drop in student performance has emerged. Swedish students continue to rank well in reading comprehension compared to their European peers, but overall academic outcomes have declined. This prompted the government to reassess its tech-centric policies. “The reliance on digital tools has led to a lack of critical thinking and overconfidence in online sources,” Edholm explained.
The situation is not unique to Sweden. Across Europe and beyond, educators and policymakers are grappling with how to integrate technology without compromising learning outcomes. In Sweden, however, the response has been decisive: a commitment to scaling back digital tools in favor of printed materials.
Returning to Traditional Textbooks
The Swedish government has already allocated €60 million in 2023 and an additional €44 million for 2024, with plans to fund similar initiatives in 2025. The goal is clear: every student will have a physical textbook for each subject. In some Swedish preschools, educators are also moving away from teaching literacy on tablets, opting instead for hands-on methods with paper and pencils.
This pivot back to textbooks isn’t just about nostalgia. Research consistently shows that students retain more information and engage better with material presented in print. The tactile experience of flipping pages, combined with the absence of digital distractions, appears to foster deeper comprehension.
Balancing Innovation with Effectiveness
While the push to reintroduce textbooks has been met with widespread support, it also raises questions about the role of technology in modern education. After all, digital tools do offer undeniable benefits, from fostering creativity to streamlining communication between teachers and parents. Platforms like Pronote, widely used in France, have replaced traditional correspondence books, making it easier to share schedules, grades, and attendance records.
The challenge lies in finding a balance. As Sweden reevaluates its approach, the global education community watches closely. The Swedish experience serves as a reminder that while technology can enhance learning, it’s no substitute for the foundational benefits of traditional methods.
A Wake-Up Call for Educators Worldwide
Sweden’s decision to pull back on screens in schools is a bold acknowledgment that technology, when overused, can hinder rather than help. For parents and educators everywhere, it’s a moment to reflect on how to best prepare students for the future. By combining the best of digital tools with the proven advantages of textbooks, perhaps the ideal learning environment is one that blends the old with the new.