Sixth Graders Oppose School Phone Ban

The National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) and Verian conducted a pilot study in spring 2025 that provides valuable insights into sixth graders’ media use. According to the study, two-thirds of sixth graders are opposed to a ban on smartphone use during recess.

Children’s and young people’s media use is a topic that sparks much discussion and reflection among parents, teachers, and policymakers alike. The 2025–2026 school year begins in a new spirit, as the use of digital devices is now more strictly regulated in schools in Finland. A legislative amendment that came into effect at the beginning of August brings concrete changes: the use of mobile devices during lessons is prohibited unless it is related to learning and permitted by the teacher. In addition, schools are now allowed to restrict device use during other parts of the school day, such as recess and lunch breaks.

Opposition Strongest in Helsinki and Western Finland

According to the KAVI and Verian study, 62% of sixth graders are against a phone ban during recess. The strongest opposition was found in Western Finland (73%) and in the Helsinki and Uusimaa regions (65%). In Southern, Northern, and Eastern Finland, about half of sixth graders (52–53%) opposed the ban.

Figure 1: Sixth graders’ views on banning smartphone use during recess

On the other hand, the ban also received some support: one in four respondents (25%) considered the ban during recess to be very or somewhat good. Support was highest in Southern Finland (37%) and the Helsinki-Uusimaa region (28%). Girls were slightly more supportive of the ban than boys.

Sixth graders’ views on digital device use are clear and thought-provoking. Their perspectives challenge adults to consider how schools, for example, could better support students’ social interaction and well-being. From an educational standpoint, restricting the use of digital devices is not merely about prohibition, but about creating opportunities to offer alternative activities that support learning, interaction, and well-being. The use of smartphones often stems from real needs: communication, entertainment, learning, and identity building. If usage is restricted, it is important to recognize the underlying need and offer another way to meet it.

Children Consider Parents’ Phone Use Appropriate

The study also asked sixth graders about their views on their parents’ and guardians’ smartphone use, as children’s and young people’s attitudes toward technology are significantly influenced by the digital practices they observe at home, in school, and in public spaces. The results show that three out of four sixth graders (75%) consider adults’ phone use to be appropriate in terms of quantity.

Figure 2: Sixth graders’ views on guardians’ smartphone use

In Southern Finland, about four out of five sixth graders agreed with this. Only 7% felt that parents or guardians use their phones excessively, and girls were more likely than boys to perceive adults’ phone use as excessive. Adults play a key role in guiding children toward more responsible and conscious use of digital devices, not only through rules but especially through their own behavior.

In addition to questions about smartphone use, the study also explored children’s and young people’s internet habits, the content of their time spent on social media, their understanding of how algorithms work, and the extent of supervision over their online activity. The study also examined whether children had encountered distressing or harmful content online.

• Link to the Children and Youth Media Survey 2025 report (in Finnish)
• Link to the Children and Youth Media Survey 2025 report (in English)
• Link to the infographic (in Finnish)
• Link to the infographic (in Swedish)

Leo Pekkala
Deputy Director

Outi Laiti
Senior Adviser