Oulu to enforce Full-Day Mobile Phone ban in Schools from August

The decision was confirmed by Mika Penttilä, director of education services for the northern city, who said the expanded ban responds to growing concerns over the impact of digital device use on students’ learning and overall school engagement.

“There is a lot of evidence that the use of mobile devices in leisure time distracts pupils from learning and school life,” Penttilä noted. “We want to ensure that instead of always digging out the phone for example at recess, there would be some alternative activities that become part of the everyday routine.”

Under the new city-wide policy, mobile phone use will be prohibited during lessons and lunch starting this academic term. Some schools, such as Oulu’s international school, will implement the full-day ban from August. Others will gradually include recess in the restriction by early 2026.

The updated rules are part of a broader push to reshape school culture and reduce pupils’ reliance on digital screens during the school day. Rather than punitive measures, Oulu’s approach will focus on open dialogue between students, teachers, and parents.

Should a student violate the rules, they will be invited to a conversation with school staff and their guardians, aimed at encouraging behavioral change and fostering understanding of the new policy.

City officials say consultations with educators and families will continue in the coming months to support the transition and ensure the measures gain community-wide support.

Oulu’s move places it among a growing number of cities worldwide taking stronger action to disconnect students from smartphones during school hours, amid mounting evidence that reduced screen time can improve concentration, social interaction, and academic performance.