The Polish government is set to adopt a draft amendment to the Education Law, which will prohibit the use of smartphones and other electronic devices by students during school hours.
Scope of the New Regulations
The proposed amendment applies specifically to public primary schools. The ban on smartphones and other electronic devices will be enforced throughout the entire school day, covering both lesson times and break periods. Notably, these restrictions apply exclusively to students, excluding teachers and other school staff from the regulation.
Exceptions and Enforcement
The government project outlines two primary exceptions to the ban: cases where a teacher permits phone use for educational or developmental purposes, and situations where a student requires a device due to disability, illness, or other specific needs. Schools will maintain autonomy in determining the practical enforcement methods for these new rules.
Context and Rationale
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka stated that this initiative is part of a broader package aimed at improving the mental health and digital hygiene of young people. She emphasized that the current mental health crisis is largely driven by smartphone addiction. While acknowledging that true addiction issues often begin at home, the Ministry argues that schools serve as an essential environment for fostering proper digital habits and personal conduct.
Broader Digital Safety Efforts
The Ministry of Education is also examining the impact of social media platforms on children, citing concerns over access to harmful content such as pornography, hate speech, and AI-driven manipulation. The government is evaluating international models, including Australian legislation, and intends to introduce measures for age verification to protect minors from inappropriate online content.