Government Approves Draft School Phone Rules (Poland, June 2026)
The Council of Ministers adopted a draft law on student use of mobile phones and similar devices in schools. The draft would create a national ban in primary schools, with defined exceptions and school-level storage rules.
Source: Ministerstwo Edukacji Narodowej
The Council of Ministers adopted a draft law on student use of mobile phones and similar devices in schools. The draft would create a national ban in primary schools, with defined exceptions and school-level storage rules.
What Changed?
The draft would prohibit primary school students from using phones and other communicating or recording devices on school premises and during school activities outside school. It would allow exceptions for teaching, assessment, emergency contact, health needs, disability-related needs, special educational needs, and threats to life, health, or property.
Old System vs New System
Rules on student phone use were mainly set through individual school statutes, producing different local practices.
The draft would create a statutory national rule for primary schools, while upper-secondary schools could set bans or detailed use rules in their own statutes.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Primary school students would face a default ban on phone and similar device use during school time, subject to listed exceptions.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents would need to follow school storage and emergency-contact procedures, especially for younger pupils.
School / Institution Impact
Schools would need to update statutes, consult school communities, define storage arrangements where used, and apply privacy safeguards.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers would receive clearer authority to allow device use for teaching, assessment, or urgent contact and to apply school procedures.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-02: government adopted the draft
- 2026-09-01: planned entry into force
- 2026-10-31: planned deadline for school statute updates.
What To Do
- Schools should monitor the parliamentary process and prepare statute changes if the bill is enacted.
What To Watch Next
Watch for Sejm debate, final wording, and any changes to exceptions or implementation deadlines.
Global Context
The proposal places Poland among countries moving toward national rules on student phone use in schools.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Ministerstwo Edukacji Narodowej