Malmö schools have implemented a ban on TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms on student laptops to enhance focus during lessons. The initiative, proposed by special educator Sarah Cedervall, aims to evaluate its effectiveness by next summer. The decision underscores the use of laptops as educational tools rather than for entertainment, with parents deciding on mobile use after school hours.
Malmö Schools Ban TikTok and Social Media on Student Laptops
Malmö Schools Ban TikTok and Social Media on Student Laptops
In Malmö, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms are blocked on primary school students' laptops.
Special educator Sarah Cedervall proposed the idea to Malmö's school council last December, and the ban is being implemented on a trial basis to be evaluated next summer.
"It had come up in many team meetings that we are constantly chasing students who are on social media during lessons, telling them to shut down their computers and focus on their work," she told Sydsvenskan.
Since students are no longer allowed to use their phones during the school day, many have instead used school laptops to access social media, even during class time.
The Swedish National Agency for Education is aware that such blocking occurs on students' school computers, but there is no data on how common it is, reports DN.
School councilor Sara Wettergren (L) sees it as a political statement.
"To show that student laptops are a work tool and not something used for entertainment. Then it's up to the guardians to decide what children do after school on their private phones," she told the newspaper.