Iceland has introduced nationwide phone-free rules for primary schools after Minister of Education and Children Inga Sæland signed a new regulation on Thursday.
Under the rules, children may not keep personal phones or comparable smart devices on them during school hours. Devices brought to school must instead be left in designated storage.
What’s the Story?
- Personal phones and smart devices must be stored away during the school day.
- The rule covers lessons, breaks, meal periods, school trips and school-linked recreation.
- School-owned devices can still be used in defined circumstances, and exceptions remain for pupils with particular needs.
From local policies to a national rule
The regulation formalises a shift that was already well under way in Icelandic schools. Just last week, Iceland Review reported that Reykjavík’s primary schools had gone phone-free for the 2026–27 term, with phones barred during lessons, recess and lunch unless an exception applied.
The national measure goes beyond the capital by creating a common framework for primary schools around Iceland. It also follows a consultation process: Iceland Review reported in June on the draft regulation restricting phone use in Icelandic primary schools.
According to RÚV, the signed rules cover not only classroom teaching but the wider school day, including breaks, meals, field trips and organised travel. They also extend to after-school and recreation activities that form part of daily school operations.
The rules focus on pupils’ privately owned devices rather than removing digital technology from schools. School-owned phones and smart devices may still be used in defined educational or practical circumstances. Exceptions are also possible where a child’s health, disability or other recognised need requires access to a device.
The change builds on years of school-level experimentation. In 2024, 70% of Reykjavík primary schools were already phone-free, while national practices varied considerably.
Source: RÚV
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