Norway's successful mobile phone ban in schools

The project has been working exceptionally well in Norway for a long time. There, local schools have prohibited using mobile phones for three years. Recent studies indicate that the smartphone ban has had positive effects on youth.

Several countries have officially decided to impose these restrictions. Strict rules on smartphone use are in place in France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and China. In other places, such as the United Kingdom and Belgium, schools have implemented limited phone use policies with government support.

In Norway, the smartphone ban was implemented three years ago in educational institutions. This move has had positive outcomes. Will these research results influence the decision-making process of Polish policymakers?

Research conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health solidly demonstrates that middle schoolers who are deprived of access to phones in school feel mentally healthier.

Additionally, the smartphone ban has resulted in more significant benefits. School-aged girls have shown fewer problems with self-esteem, and their sense of self-worth has increased. Incidences of bullying have dropped by 43 percent, as well as the number of visits to mental health specialists, which decreased by 60 percent. The report highlights that the ban benefited girls from less affluent families the most.