Poland bans smartphones in schools and kindergartens

Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed education-law amendments on Friday banning the use of smartphones in schools and kindergartens from 1 September 2026, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

The amendments bar pupils in both state-run and private schools from using smartphones or other devices with similar functionality on school premises. The ban applies during classes, breaks and extracurricular activities, and also covers preschool education institutions.

Exceptions apply only when a teacher has planned smartphone or tablet use as part of the educational process, or when a pupil needs to contact their parents. Pupils with disabilities or other special needs may be allowed to use a device during the day if they need an app or specialised equipment controlled through a smartphone.

Ukrainska Pravda said similar initiatives are being considered or have already been introduced in several European countries. Latvia introduced a ban from 1 June on mobile phone use at school for pupils in grades 1-9, except when a teacher allows it for learning, while the Czech government is proposing a school mobile phone ban from September 2027.