Newsletters
The Czech cabinet on Monday unanimously approved a legislative proposal that would ban the use of mobile phones in schools starting in September 2027, Czech Radio reported.
The bill, jointly submitted by Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Education Minister Robert Plaga, now moves to parliament for a final vote. If passed, the restrictions will apply to children in kindergartens, primary schools, and the lower grades of multi-year grammar schools.
Under the new policy, the ban would extend beyond the classroom to include breaks, school cafeterias, and voluntary activities on school premises.
However, the draft legislation outlines specific exemptions. Students who require electronic devices for medical reasons or special educational needs will be permitted to use them. Additionally, schools will retain the authority to allow mobile phones during lessons or field trips if deemed necessary for educational purposes.
The measure must clear the Czech parliament before it can take effect.
A wave of legislative action is sweeping across the European Union as governments systematically move to eliminate digital distractions from the classroom. Prompted by growing concerns over adolescent mental health, declining academic performance, and cyberbullying, nations are increasingly transitioning from voluntary school policies to strict national mandates.
Following early restrictions in France and Italy, a fresh surge of legislation is redefining the regional landscape. Sweden is set to implement a total ban in primary and lower-secondary schools starting August 2026, while the Czech Republic is advancing a comprehensive bill targeting a 2027 rollout.
These sweeping policies are rarely confined to instructional hours. Most newly enacted frameworks strictly prohibit device usage during recess, in cafeterias, and throughout extracurricular activities, aiming to actively push students toward face-to-face social interaction and analogue play.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
