Estonian schools adopt consistent guidelines over outright smartphone bans, balancing digital freedom with social interaction.
In Estonia, the debate around smart device use in schools is gaining attention. While the Ministry of Social Affairs recently suggested limiting smartphone use outside of lessons, many schools have already taken a proactive approach, opting for consistent guidelines rather than strict bans. School leaders believe that balanced rules can help students benefit from digital tools while also encouraging face-to-face interaction.
Designated areas and limited access
At Pääsküla School, for example, students can use phones only in designated “smart areas” during breaks, and the focus remains on minimising activities like social media scrolling that can disrupt socialisation. Meanwhile, Tallinn Secondary School of Science enforces a policy where students in grades 1–9 keep phones in their bags during school hours, with usage allowed only if a teacher assigns a specific task requiring a device.
Collaboration with parents is key
School staff emphasise the importance of cooperation with parents in achieving the best outcomes. At Pääsküla, the support of parents has led to a significant decrease in smartphone use during school hours, and in some cases, parents have taken the initiative to implement even stricter measures. In one instance, parents of a sixth-grade class agreed that students would hand their phones to the teacher at the start of the day, retrieving them only at the end.
Building healthy habits through flexibility
The focus, according to educators, is not on banning devices but on building healthy habits and self-regulation. “When children understand that devices can be distracting, they learn to manage their usage better,” explains Reet Varik, a class teacher at Tallinn Secondary School of Science.
While schools are open to more precise guidelines from the government, school leaders like Merike Truu of Pääsküla School suggest that any new rules should still allow teachers flexibility to use digital tools creatively in class. Ultimately, the goal is to equip students with both the digital skills and social awareness they need in a balanced educational environment.
To read more, see the full article at ERR News.
