Classrooms across the world have changed fast. Screens replaced pages. Tablets replaced textbooks. For years, digital learning was seen as the smartest way forward. However, after watching its impact closely, one country has decided to pause and rethink. Back to basics education is now at the heart of a major decision by Sweden. After 15 years of digital-first learning, the country is turning back to printed textbooks, and the reason is all about how children learn best.
After trying out digital learning for 15 years, Sweden is investing a whopping €104 million to bring printed textbooks BACK to schools! Guess Why? The digital learning led to declining reading and comprehension, increased distractions, and weakened fundamental skills like reading and writing. The computers are being set aside to bring back traditional textbooks in the curriculum. This doesn’t mean Sweden is abandoning technology altogether, it’s about striking a balance.
According to a report published by the National Literacy Trust organisation (an independent charity based in England) in 2024, which included over 76,000 responses, only 34.6% of
children aged 8 to 18 enjoy reading in their free time. And on average, people in India spend over four hours a day watching stuff on their phones.
What can we do?
- Make school libraries awesome: They should be packed with interesting books!
- Read as a family: Make reading a fun activity together! Read The Junior Age!!
- Gamify reading: Use apps that make reading interactive!
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