Smartphones will be banned in Polish schools starting September 1
Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a law restricting the use of smartphones in schools and preschools. The new rules will take effect on September 1, 2026—students will be prohibited from using phones not only during class but also during breaks.
The relevant amendments have been made to the Education Act. They apply to both public and private educational institutions. Under the new rules, students will not be allowed to use smartphones or other devices with similar functions on school grounds. The ban will apply during classes, breaks, and extracurricular activities.
The new requirements also apply to preschool institutions. At the same time, the law provides for several exceptions. Students will be allowed to use smartphones or tablets if such use is part of the educational process and has been organized by the teacher. Phones will also be permitted in cases where a child needs to contact their parents or there is another important need.
Separate rules have been established for children with disabilities and students with special educational needs. They will be allowed to use devices if necessary to operate special software or equipment that helps them learn. The law aims to reduce children’s dependence on gadgets and shift more focus back to learning and face-to-face interaction in schools.
Similar restrictions are already in place or under discussion in a number of European countries. In many of them, authorities are also trying to strike a balance between the use of digital technologies in education and the need to limit distractions for students. This was reported by RMF24.
After a Russian X-101 cruise missile crashed in the Lublin Voivodeship, fake news began to spread rapidly in the Polish media. According to the state-run NASK institute, one campaign is directed against Ukraine, while another aims to undermine trust in the Polish government.
