Poland Implements Comprehensive School Phone Ban Starting September 2026

President has signed the Education Law amendment banning mobile phones and communication devices in public and private schools across Poland beginning September 1, 2026.

Presidential Signatures and Legislative Steps

The Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President, Rafał Leśkiewicz, announced that the president signed several legislative acts, including the amendment to the Education Law, the Water Law, the Labor Code, and the Code of Civil Procedure. The education amendment will take effect on September 1, 2026, while another specified act will be referred to the Constitutional Tribunal.

Scope of the School Phone Ban

Starting September 1, 2026, students in public and private primary schools will be prohibited from using mobile phones and other communication, audio, and video recording devices during lessons, breaks, and other activities on school premises. The restrictions also apply to educational activities organized outside the school, such as physical education classes held at external sports facilities.

Restrictions in Preschool Facilities

Bringing and using electronic devices will also be banned for children during their stay in kindergartens, schools with kindergarten units, and other forms of preschool education. This prohibition applies during teaching, upbringing, and care activities, as well as during sessions organized outside the premises of these institutions.

Exceptions to the Ban

Exceptions to the ban apply when a teacher determines a device is necessary for lessons or testing, when urgent contact between a student and parents is required, or in the event of an immediate threat to health or life. Additional exceptions permit device use with the director’s consent for medical conditions, disabilities, or specific needs requiring specialized equipment or health-monitoring mobile applications.

Justification by the Ministry of National Education

The Ministry of National Education prepared the draft amendment, stating that excessive phone use leads to addiction and negatively impacts academic performance. Citing research from Stanford University and the Mental Health Foundation, the ministry noted that excessive mobile device exposure causes mood swings, concentration issues, higher depression risk, social withdrawal, and impaired emotional functioning among peers.