The Polish government has approved a bill banning students under 16 from using phones and smartwatches in schools. The proposal, which requires approval from the country’s parliament and President Karol Nawrocki, would prohibit device use throughout the entire school day, including breaks and after-class activities, according to Notes from Poland. Students may bring devices but must leave them in a designated location at school.
The ban exempts teachers and school staff, as well as students with illnesses, disabilities, or special needs who require their devices for health monitoring. Students will also be permitted to use phones in emergencies. If the bill is enacted, it will take effect on September 1, aligning with the beginning of the next school year.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, “We propose a ban on the use of mobile phones during classes and breaks in primary schools. This is not a perfect solution, we have no illusions about that, but we must address this serious problem, which is addiction to phones and the internet.”
If passed, Poland will join other countries like Italy and South Korea that have implemented similar bans. Italy enacted a rule in 2024 extending the ban to high school students last year, while South Korea began enforcing a phone use ban during school hours in March. Research from the Netherlands suggests that banning phones in classrooms can enhance student concentration and improve the social environment.
Additionally, the Polish government approved another bill requiring adult websites to implement age verification systems to restrict access for children. The UK first mandated age verification for online pornography in 2019, a requirement since adopted by some U.S. states and other regions.
