Back to books: Sweden’s digital backlash

This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores Sweden's dramatic reversal in its education policy, shifting from being a global leader in digital learning to actively bringing books and paper back into classrooms. Once celebrated for its rapid digitalization—equipping every student with laptops and tablets—Sweden now faces criticism over declining academic performance, student distraction, and developmental concerns linked to screen use. The episode traces this shift from the 1990s tech vision of Prime Minister Carl Bildt to the 2022 policy pivot under a new right-wing government, driven by expert warnings, falling PISA scores, and growing evidence of digital overreach. Researchers like Cecilia Nutley and OECD Director Andreas Schleicher highlight the lack of pedagogical intent behind early tech integration, while educators and students share mixed reactions. Critics like Professor Linnea Stenliden warn that the 'back to books' movement risks deepening inequality and ignoring the digital realities children face. The episode concludes with a nuanced call for balance, emphasizing that both analog and digital tools have a role in modern education, and that the long-term impact of Sweden’s experiment remains to be seen.