Poland Bans Mobile Phones in Primary Schools by 2026

The Polish government has approved a draft legislation aimed at banning the use of mobile phones in primary schools, which is expected to take effect on September 1, 2026. The proposed law, which will be sent to parliament for consideration, prohibits students in both public and private primary schools from using mobile phone devices capable of recording audio or video during lessons and school breaks.

Exceptions are made for devices needed for educational purposes or health and safety reasons. The initiative, led by Education Minister Barbara Nowacka, is a response to increasing demands from teachers for stricter control over smartphone usage in schools.

Notably, half of the schools in Poland have already adopted similar measures voluntarily. Additionally, the government has endorsed a separate package of child online safety reforms that will also require parliamentary approval, which includes stricter limits on minors' access to pornographic websites and expedited procedures for removing illegal online content.