Sweden Reverses School Digitalization, Subsidizes Paper Textbooks

Sweden, once a pioneer in digital education, has reversed its policy. Since 2023, the government has subsidized paper textbooks with about €63 million annually, rising to €70 million in 2025. Funds also support school libraries and staff training. A smartphone ban in schools is expected by end of 2025. The shift from one tablet per student to one textbook per subject per student is driven by evidence that screens did not improve academic results or reduce inequalities. OECD PISA 2022 data shows a slight decline in math and reading among disadvantaged students. Research indicates digital reading reduces comprehension and memory, especially for information-rich texts. Physical books provide sensory cues that aid learning. The policy change was informed by university researchers and public bodies, citing better concentration and literacy development without screens. The current conservative government uses the slogan "från skärm till pärm" (from screen to cover).