While much of Europe tightens controls on mobile phone use in schools, Estonia is taking a markedly different approach—welcoming digital devices and integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms as part of a bold strategy to modernise education.
The Baltic nation, already known for its pioneering digital governance, has declined to impose blanket phone bans in schools. Instead, officials argue that teaching responsible use of technology is more effective than prohibition. At the same time, Estonia is rolling out AI-powered tools to personalise learning, assess student performance, and support teachers.
“Our goal is not to shut out the digital world but to prepare students to live in it wisely,” said Kristina Kallas, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research. “Banning smartphones does not teach digital literacy. Guiding their use does.”
Estonia’s approach stands in contrast to countries like France and Italy, where national rules limit or outright ban phone use in classrooms. In the UK and Sweden, political debate over mobile bans has intensified, with critics warning of distraction and mental health concerns. But Estonian educators say the issue lies not in the devices, but in how they are used.
Instead of fighting screens, Estonia is using them. Pilot programmes across secondary schools have begun using AI tutors and adaptive learning platforms to deliver personalised feedback to students. Teachers are also using AI-assisted grading and lesson planning tools to reduce workload and improve outcomes.
The Ministry of Education has partnered with local start-ups and global edtech firms to ensure data security and transparency. Tools are being tested in both Estonian and Russian-speaking schools to ensure inclusivity, with a focus on maintaining the country’s high performance in international education rankings.
Estonia’s education model has long drawn international attention. The country consistently ranks near the top of the OECD’s PISA scores, outperforming wealthier nations in reading, science, and maths. Officials attribute this success to a culture of innovation, high teacher autonomy, and investment in digital infrastructure.
Nonetheless, the AI initiative is not without sceptics. Some educators have raised concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the risk of reducing teaching to automation. Others warn that reliance on technology may widen the gap between digitally literate students and those without support at home.
In response, the government has promised robust oversight and teacher training to ensure AI tools enhance rather than replace traditional pedagogy. A national task force is also studying ethical frameworks for AI in education, with recommendations due later this year.
Estonia’s gamble is that, in a rapidly evolving world, teaching students to live with technology will serve them better than shielding them from it. If successful, its model could offer a blueprint for a more forward-looking, tech-savvy European classroom.
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