Schools Near Total Smartphone Ban as Parliament Reaches Consensus

Poland’s parliamentary clubs have reached a rare cross-party agreement on a draft amendment to the Education Law, which aims to prohibit the use of mobile phones in all public and private primary schools.

Broad Political Support for Digital Restrictions

All parliamentary factions have expressed support for the bill aimed at restricting smartphone use in primary schools. During the second reading of the draft, the Civic Coalition (KO) and Law and Justice (PiS) proposed amendments, sending the document back to the committee stage.

Elżbieta Gapińska of the Civic Coalition noted that both teachers and parents expect legislative regulation. She cited research on the health risks associated with smartphone use, including online violence and the growing scale of internet addiction among children.

Debate on Social Media and Age Limits

Mirosława Stachowiak-Różecka (PiS) stated that the government’s project is a response to polls showing over 50 percent public support for the move. She emphasized that the primary challenge is not the device itself, but the social media content accessed through it, calling for the urgent introduction of age restrictions for such platforms.

During the process, discussions have expanded to include potential bans in kindergartens and preschool units. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka has signaled her support for such an extension.

Cross-Party Rationale for the Ban

Representatives from other parties, including PSL, Confederation, The Left, and Poland 2050, largely supported the bill. Arguments centered on the need to restore space for healthy face-to-face peer relationships, improve student concentration, and mitigate the risks posed by constant digital distractions.

Dorota Olko (The Left) argued that the restriction serves as a tool for leveling the playing field, as students from less affluent backgrounds often struggle more with concentration in digital-heavy environments. Meanwhile, Ewa Szymanowska (Centrum) praised the draft for being balanced, as it does not completely forbid the possession of phones, but rather regulates their usage.

Scope and Implementation of the New Rules

The proposed legislation prohibits the use of mobile phones and devices capable of recording sound or images during school hours, including breaks and extracurricular activities held outside school grounds. Exceptions are allowed for urgent parental contact, health-related monitoring, or situations where a teacher deems the device necessary for educational purposes.

While the ban applies to primary schools, secondary schools will remain exempt from a nationwide mandate. Instead, these institutions will be required to define their own internal policies regarding phone usage within their statutes. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, with schools having until October 31, 2026, to update their internal documentation.