Article categories: News
Changes to phone policy in schools: mobile phones may no longer be used during lessons or lunch breaks
Published: 6.8.2025
The Basic Education Act has changed as of 1 August, and schools must update their rules to address the use and storage of mobile phones. In basic education in Vaasa, the use of mobile phones is no longer permitted during lessons or lunch breaks. Mobile devices must be kept in a location designated by the school.
The use of mobile phones and other mobile devices in schools will be subject to restrictions. The policy change follows a revision of the Basic Education Act, aimed at ensuring that every child and young person can focus on learning in a calm environment.
The revised act entered into force on 1 August 2025.
Use of phones during breaks is prohibited in lower grades but permitted in upper grades
The City of Vaasa’s basic education has updated its rules of conduct in line with the revised law.
According to the new law, from 1 August onwards, the use of mobile phones and other mobile devices is prohibited during lessons in basic education, unless specific permission has been granted – for example, for teaching purposes or health-related reasons.
Use of mobile phones and other devices in Vaasa’s basic education schools:
- Lessons: Mobile phones may not be used during lessons, except with the teacher’s explicit permission (e.g. for health-related reasons).
- Lunch break: Mobile phones may not be used during school meals.
- Breaks:
- In lower grades (1–6), the use of mobile phones is prohibited during breaks.
- In upper grades (7–9), mobile phones may be used during breaks.
- During the school day, mobile phones must be stored in the location designated by the school. Each school sets out its own guidelines on where and how phones should be kept.
- The rules apply to mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other mobile devices.
Schools start in Vaasa on 11 August
Vaasa primary schools start on Monday, 11 August 2025.
A total of 570 first-graders will start their education this autumn in Vaasa. The academic year of the primary schools that follow Vaasa’s municipal curriculum begins on Monday, 11 August 2025 and ends on Saturday, 30 May 2026.