Poland to ban mobile phone use in schools for under-16s

Poland is planning to introduce new legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 16 from using mobile phones in schools.

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka announced that the measures are expected to come into force on September 1, 2026. The proposal forms part of a broader effort to address concerns about students’ growing dependence on the internet and digital devices, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Nowacka indicated that mobile phone use in educational settings should no longer be considered standard practice, emphasising that excessive reliance on digital technology among pupils has become a significant issue. At the same time, she noted that exceptions to the ban could be allowed in certain cases, such as for medical reasons.

The minister also explained that individual schools would have the flexibility to decide how to manage and store students’ devices during the school day. Possible solutions could include lockers located outside classrooms, the use of secure storage pouches, or centralised collection systems managed by teachers.

Addressing concerns from families, Nowacka acknowledged that parents often want to remain in contact with their children. However, she stressed that the specific arrangements for handling mobile phones would ultimately be determined at the school level.

By Sabina Mammadli