Poland bans mobile phones in primary schools and kindergartens from September 2026

The vote

On Friday, 3 July 2026, the Polish Sejm passed an amendment to the Education Law introducing a ban on mobile phones and other communication devices in primary schools and kindergartens. The vote was exceptionally one-sided, with 420 MPs in favour, 6 against, and 4 abstentions, reflecting broad cross-party support. The new rules will take effect on 1 September 2026, the start of the next school year. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Scope of the ban

The prohibition covers the use of phones, as well as audio and video recording, during the entire time a pupil is on school premises, including breaks and other activities. It also applies to educational activities organised outside the school, such as physical education lessons held at external sports facilities. Schools will be allowed to create designated storage areas for devices. The ban does not extend to school trips, boarding school stays, or the use of school infrastructure (for example, sports facilities) by local residents outside class hours.

Exceptions and safeguards

The law provides several exceptions. A teacher may permit device use when it is needed for lessons or testing. Pupils can use phones for urgent contact with parents. Students who rely on a phone or specialised app for health monitoring (such as diabetes management) may continue to do so, subject to the school director's approval. In cases of direct threat to health or life, the ban is lifted. If a director refuses a health-related request, the decision must be justified in writing.

Kindergartens included

Initially the bill targeted only primary schools, but an amendment from the Law and Justice (PiS) club extended the ban to kindergartens, preschool units in primary schools, and other forms of preschool education. Deputy Education Minister Katarzyna Lubnauer told the Sejm that the ministry fully supported the extension, warning that the "plague" of smartphones and smartbands had already reached kindergartens.

We must realise that the plague of owning devices like smartphones and smartbands is already reaching kindergartens.

Government reaction

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka described the vote as an important day for Polish education. She said the legislation answered clear calls from the teaching community, noting that over half of schools already operated similar restrictions under internal rules, but teachers had been asking for a systemic solution.

An important day for Polish education.