TechSverige and SKR: A national strategy for school digitalization is necessary

Contrary to popular belief, digital literacy among young people in Sweden is declining. Reversing this trend requires national efforts in which schools play a central role. For example, a national strategy for school digitalization is needed. 

Without a uniform strategy, education risks becoming unequal. TechSverige and SKR therefore see an urgent need for a new national strategy for digitalization in schools.

Digital skills decline at school age

The basic digital skills of the Swedish population are relatively good, but there are several gaps and trends pointing in the wrong direction. According to DIGG (2022), in contrast to the EU average and many other leading tech nations, Sweden has seen no increase in the population's basic digital skills since 2021. 

In addition, Eurostat's latest measurements (2023) show that digital skills, especially among the younger part of the population (16-24 years old), have declined significantly in Sweden. Between 2021 and 2023, these skills decreased by almost 9%. In 2023, only 67% of young people aged 16-24 had basic digital skills in Sweden. This is below the EU average and significantly lower than in comparable countries such as Finland and the Netherlands, where over 90% of young people have these skills. 

This is a negative trend that risks having major and serious consequences in the long term. Firstly, it increases the risk of large groups in society becoming digitally excluded, which means that they cannot participate in the increasingly digitized society and thus risk being excluded from the labor market, among other things.

Secondly, this development risks undermining Sweden's competitiveness and position as a leading and innovative technology nation in the long term. We need to reverse the trend and ensure that our young people are well equipped to participate in the society and working life of the future, not least with the advent of AI. Schools have a crucial role in preparing and equipping students for this.

The role of digitalization in schools 

Digital tools in schools should function as an integral part of education. In the public debate, the private use of digital tools and platforms (e.g. social media) is often confused with the activities that are part of education, leading to unfortunate misunderstandings and polarization about the real benefits and challenges of digitalization.

According to a recent OECD report (2024), digital learning tools integrated into teaching have a positive impact on student performance (Source: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/aboutpisa/English%20V3_WEB.pdf). When digital tools are used in teaching, technology becomes a valuable support that can improve student performance. This is also confirmed by the Swedish National Agency for Education, which in a new report shows that 15-year-olds who use digital tools for learning in school a few hours a day have higher results in PISA 2022 (Source: No clear relationship between digital tools in school and PISA results - Swedish National Agency for Education)

Despite the clear benefits of digitization in schools, there are challenges such as a lack of knowledge about how to use digital devices and tools effectively, and problems when they do not work or are used inappropriately. Indeed, the same OECD report also shows that the use of social media via mobile phones and other technological devices is a contributing factor to declining PISA scores. 

The importance of a new national strategy for school digitalization 

To maximize the benefits of digitalization in schools, we need to integrate digital learning and digital technologies in a way that supports and improves student outcomes. A national strategy for school digitalization would provide important support for principals, head teachers and teachers in teaching, implementing and using digital tools in schools. 

With a national strategy, we can seize the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls, increase equity and provide the best conditions for all our young people. It is time for the government to take responsibility and ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to develop the digital skills necessary to succeed in school, work and society.