Radical Changes in Schools as Smartphones Banned in Polish Primary Schools and Kindergartens from September 2026

Starting September 1, 2026, a statutory ban on smartphones and recording devices takes effect in Polish kindergartens and primary schools following an amendment to the Education Law.

The Ban Takes Effect on September 1, 2026

It is now official and irreversible. Starting September 1, 2026, the freedom to use smartphones and other image- or sound-recording devices disappears from Polish kindergartens and primary schools. This decision, sealed by an amendment to the Education Law signed by the President, stirs immense emotions among students, parents, and teachers. Experts have no doubts—citing alarming reports—that the change was inevitable.

Many students hoped until the last moment that announcements of changes would prove to be merely an academic discussion. However, starting September 1, 2026, the Polish education system undergoes a true organizational revolution. According to the amendment to the Education Law, a statutory ban on using mobile phones and other devices enabling communication or recording image and sound takes effect in kindergartens as well as public and non-public primary schools.

Importantly for older grades, the nationwide ban does not automatically enter secondary schools. The decision on a potential total restriction or detailed conditions for using electronic equipment there is left to the discretion of individual school statutes. For the youngest students, however, this means the absolute end of an era of glancing under desks and spending breaks in front of glowing screens.

Uncertainty and Controversy Over Enforcement

The new regulations immediately sparked a wave of questions from parents and school principals. The greatest concerns involve the practical side of implementing the ban. Will children have to leave phones at home? And what happens if a parent wants to contact a child on their way to and from school?

Experts point out that for the regulation to be effective and avoid legal disputes regarding property rights under Article 140 of the Civil Code, precise determination of equipment deposit rules on school grounds is crucial. Schools face an organizational challenge—they must prepare secure lockers or deposits and determine device return procedures, which generates additional responsibility for the teaching staff.

The Jagiellonian Club Report Highlights “Smartitis”

Although the introduction of statutory restrictions provokes emotional resistance from some youth, the legislator’s decision is based on overwhelming scientific evidence. A particularly expressive voice in this debate is the Jagiellonian Club report titled “Stopping Smartitis: Research, Regulations, and Recommendations Regarding Smartphones in Schools,” authored by Dr. Hab. Bartłomiej Biga and Piotr Trudnowski.

Jagiellonian Club experts recall the neologism “smartitis”—a combination of necrosis and eternal worry—referencing a series of global and domestic studies. The report shows a clear conclusion: excessive exposure to smartphones and social media has become one of the main catalysts for the deep mental health crisis among children and adolescents.

European Experiences Show Positive Results

Fears of the ban quickly give way to hope when looking at results from countries that decided on a similar step earlier. The Jagiellonian Club report discusses in detail Norwegian experiences, specifically research by Sara Abrahamsson from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

The results from Norway after introducing restrictions in schools proved astonishing. Furthermore, the benefits of the ban proved strongest among students from less affluent backgrounds, helping to equalize educational opportunities.

Creating Space for Real Social Bonds

Despite the initial shock, according to the report’s authors, the reform coming into life on September 1, 2026, creates a unique opportunity to rebuild traditional social relations in Polish schools. Moving away from constant screen notifications opens space for face-to-face conversation during breaks, physical activity, and true rest from digital noise.

As the authors of the Jagiellonian Club report emphasize, the school ban itself is only the first, necessary step toward protecting children from digital addiction. Concurrently, education in digital hygiene and parental involvement in building healthy screen habits outside school walls are essential.