A school in Iceland shows us what a smartphone ban looks like

22 October 2024

There has been a ban on the use of smartphones at a school in Iceland since 2019. No prizes for guessing what the result was.

A phone ban has been in place at Öldutún School since the beginning of 2019, and according to the principal, it has worked well. The school’s atmosphere and culture have changed for the better, and there is more peace in the classroom.

Hardly surprising. Students are able to bring their phones with them, but in the normal course of events, they must not be used during school hours. Smartphones weren’t around when I was at school, and for that I am thankful… it seemed like there was plenty else to worry as it was.