Denmark’s Education Ministry has proposed new legislation allowing Danish schools to implement smartphone-free policies, but critics call it a watered-down version of a previously promised national ban.
New Plan Replaces National Ban with Local Policies
Denmark’s Minister for Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye, has revealed a new legislative proposal enabling schools to adopt their own smartphone restrictions rather than enforcing a nationwide ban. The updated plan marks a shift from earlier promises of a legal ban on mobile phones in Danish schools. Parents and teachers are waiting to see how this will work in practice.
Under the new proposal, all schools covered by the Danish Public School Act, including after-school programs (SFOs), kindergartens, municipal international schools, and full-time education programs for youths, will be required to establish written “anti-smartphone policies.” School boards would be responsible for determining the specific rules and any necessary exemptions. Danish schools can create rules that fit their students needs.
The policy also includes a requirement to set up internet firewalls on school premises, blocking access to non-educational websites and services, in an attempt to reduce screen time and digital distractions.
Commission Warned Against Excessive Screen Use
The shift comes after the Trivselkommissionen (Well-being Commission) presented a report in February with 35 recommendations to improve student well-being. One of the main suggestions was to completely eliminate smartphones from Danish schools, citing a negative impact on children’s mental health and social development.
These recommendations were supported by alarming results from the latest PISA survey, which showed that Danish students spend more time on screens during school hours than any other country—nearly double the average among OECD nations. According to the PISA 2022 results, Danish students spend an average of 2.9 hours per school day on digital devices.
Earlier in the year, Tesfaye acknowledged the issue, issuing a public apology to what he called a “generation of digital test subjects” and signaling support for a tougher stance on youth screen use. But the final proposal stops short of a full ban, allowing schools to maintain exceptions—such as permitting smartphones for medical reasons, like diabetes monitoring.
Mixed Political Reactions Highlight Tensions
The new approach has triggered mixed reactions across Denmark’s political spectrum. While some Danish schools and educational associations view the shift toward local control as a pragmatic compromise, others see the move as insufficient.
Opposition parties, including the Danish People’s Party (DF) and the Socialist People’s Party (SF), voiced strong criticism, suggesting Tesfaye’s plan lacks substance and fails to create real change. They argue that leaving enforcement of phone policies up to individual schools is inefficient given the widespread nature of the problem.
One concern raised by lawmakers is that requiring schools merely to draft a policy—without defining minimum standards—risks superficial compliance. They say weak or poorly enforced policies could be written in minutes but still fulfill the legal requirement, missing the law’s intended impact.
Support from Educational Leaders
Despite criticisms, some support exists within the educational community. The Danish School Leader Association, which previously opposed a full ban due to fears of central overreach, has welcomed the revised proposal. The group views school board autonomy as essential to maintaining a healthy balance between national guidance and local decision-making.
The association emphasized that although it is no longer just a recommendation for Danish schools to address mobile phone use, the fact that Danish schools are required to set their own smartphone policies lends them more ownership and adaptability.
Denmark Joins International Debate
Denmark is not alone in revisiting the role of smartphones in classrooms. Several countries, including France and Sweden, have implemented restrictions on in-school phone usage in recent years, citing similar concerns over student focus, mental health, and academic performance.
The debate in Denmark reflects a broader global conversation about how to manage technology in education without stifling innovation or learning flexibility.
Looking Ahead
The proposed bill is expected to move through the Danish parliament in the coming months. While it may not fulfill earlier expectations of a blanket ban, it signals a new chapter in Denmark’s school digital policy—one that attempts to balance national goals for improved student well-being with respect for local school authority.
With over 650,000 students in Denmark’s public primary schools, the response and implementation at the local level could significantly influence the policy’s effectiveness in addressing screen dependency and improving classroom environments.
