Sweden shifts educational focus from digital tools to paper books

Sweden is leading a shift in educational policy by prioritizing paper books over digital devices in classrooms. Following concerns that extreme dependence on technology contributed to declining literacy rates, the Swedish government suspended its ambitious digitalization plan. This move follows data from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which warned of the risks of creating a generation of functional illiterates.

Other European nations, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, and Italy, are beginning to adopt similar measures, replacing screens with physical books and encouraging the use of pencils to improve memory, concentration, and comprehension.

In Sweden, local initiatives are also attempting to combat a declining interest in reading. Libraries are hosting themed activities, such as Minecraft-inspired events, to engage youth during school breaks. Additionally, a new collaboration between BP and Pressbyrån's Läsbyrån aims to use sports role models to inspire reading among children and adolescents through school visits and social media campaigns.