Sweden Reintroduces Printed Textbooks: Digital Learning Challenges Prompt Policy Shift

• Sweden is reintroducing printed textbooks in schools, allocating €104 million for 2022-2025, reversing a decade-long digital-first approach.
• Previously, Swedish schools phased out printed books for laptops and tablets, aiming for modernized, interactive learning.
• The shift to digital learning led to increased screen time, raising concerns about sleep problems, reduced physical activity, and anxiety among students.
• Distraction from games, social media, and web browsing on school devices was a major challenge, hindering student concentration.
• Printed textbooks are being advocated for promoting deep reading, sustained focus, and limiting distractions in the classroom.