Poland Bans Smartphones in Primary Schools from September 1, 2026: New Rules for Students

Poland is introducing new rules on the use of mobile phones in primary schools from September 1, 2026. Find out who will be affected by the ban, what exceptions are provided for by the law and how the country is strengthening children's digital protection

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Poland continues its course to strengthen children's digital safety and reform school education. From September 1, 2026, new rules on the use of mobile phones in primary schools will come into force in the country, RMF24 reports. From now on, primary school students will not be able to use smartphones not only during lessons, but also during breaks.

The decision was part of a broader state policy aimed at reducing children's dependence on gadgets, improving concentration during studies and protecting minors from the risks of the digital environment.

Why did Poland decide to limit the use of smartphones in schools?

In recent years, the issue of the impact of smartphones on the educational process has been actively discussed in many European countries. Studies show that excessive use of gadgets can negatively affect children's concentration, academic performance, social interaction and psycho-emotional state.

According to the Minister of Education of Poland, Barbara Nowacka, the new rules were a response to numerous requests from teachers who asked to create a single legal basis for restricting the use of smartphones in schools. Although many educational institutions have already independently implemented similar restrictions, now they will be fixed at the state level.

Experts believe that the innovation will help return students to live communication during breaks and create a more comfortable educational environment.

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How will the ban on the use of mobile phones in Polish schools work?

From the beginning of the new school year, primary school students will be prohibited from using mobile phones throughout their stay in an educational institution.

This means that smartphones will not be allowed to be used:

- During lessons;

- During breaks between classes;

- In school corridors and other premises of the educational institution.

Each school will be able to independently determine the procedure for storing mobile devices during the school day in accordance with its internal charter.

Read also, Ukraine is tightening control over school attendance. What sanctions are provided for parents?

When will the phone still be allowed in Polish schools?

Despite the general ban, the legislation provides for a number of exceptions. A student will be able to use the phone in the following cases:

- With the consent of the teacher to complete educational tasks;

- If the device is necessary for medical reasons, for example, to monitor blood glucose levels;

- In cases related to special educational needs or disabilities of the child.

Thus, the new rules are not intended to completely exclude technology from the educational process, but to ensure their rational use.

Ukraine will fully cover all costs for schoolchildren's meals and update food units. Read here when exactly this long-awaited reform will begin.

Who will not be subject to restrictions on the use of mobile phones?

The ban will apply exclusively to primary school students. At the same time, the rules will not apply:

- During school excursions;

- In boarding-type institutions during residence;

- Regarding teaching staff and other school personnel.

This decision allows taking into account the practical needs of the educational process and the safety of children outside the regular school day.

Poland strengthens the protection of children on the Internet

Restrictions on smartphones have become just one element of the large-scale digital reform being implemented by the Polish government. Among the key areas of the new policy:

Fighting dangerous content

The authorities plan to strengthen mechanisms for controlling minors' access to adult and other harmful content. Online platforms may receive additional obligations to verify the age of users.

Prompt removal of harmful materials

It is planned to create rapid response mechanisms to remove content that poses a threat to children and adolescents.

New rules for social networks

Additional restrictions on the use of social networks by adolescents under 15 are also being discussed in Poland. Among the possible innovations are enhanced user age control and special modes for protecting minors.

A trend across Europe: More and more countries are restricting smartphones in schools

Poland is not the only country to have chosen this approach. In recent years, similar restrictions or complete bans on mobile phones in schools have been introduced or expanded by France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and some regions of Germany.

European governments are increasingly emphasizing that digital technologies should remain a tool for learning, and not a factor that distracts children from the educational process and live communication.

For Ukrainian families living in Poland or planning to move to the country, it is important to take into account the new rules when preparing their children for the 2026/2027 school year.

The modern EU education system is changing regularly: admission rules, document requirements, and conditions of stay for foreign pupils and students are updated. For Ukrainian families, it is especially important to be sure that all documents are drawn up correctly and the child’s rights are fully protected.

An education lawyer will help you evaluate available educational programs, prepare a package of documents for admission, deal with visa procedures and legalization of documents. In addition, the specialist will provide advice on the specifics of studying for minors abroad, interaction with schools and universities, and will also help resolve controversial issues if they arise. Such support allows parents and students to focus on their studies, not on bureaucratic procedures.

Get advice from a Visit Ukraine lawyer and make the path to international education as simple and safe as possible!

Reminder! In Germany, summer holidays start at different times depending on the federal state. Such a system helps to avoid transport collapse and overloading of resorts during the peak season. We have already talked about the exact dates of summer holidays in Germany in 2026 and the periods of the highest tourist load.

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