Attention! New rules: using a smartphone in primary school may result in disciplinary penalties and a lower conduct grade

The Sejm passed an amendment to the Education Law that, from September 1, 2026, introduces a nationwide ban on using mobile phones in primary schools, preschools and preschool classes. It also requires principals to organize safe places for storing devices, while defining exceptions such as health needs and contact with parents. In secondary schools, decisions on the rules for using phones have been left to the individual institutions, while students who violate the regulations may face disciplinary consequences, including an impact on their conduct grade.

What penalties can students face for using a phone during lessons?

A primary school student who uses a phone during a lesson, break or even outdoor activities, such as physical education, may be punished in accordance with the school’s rules. Misconduct may also lower the student’s conduct grade.

Preschool children are also covered by the phone ban

Phones may not be brought into preschools – children will not even be allowed to leave them in the cloakroom. For older students, the school principal, with the consent of the teachers’ council and parents, and after hearing the opinion of the student council, may organize a special place for storing devices. It must guarantee security and privacy.

When can students use a phone at school?

The regulations nevertheless provide for situations in which a phone in a student’s hands is permitted: when a teacher asks the student to use it during educational activities, for urgent contact with parents, for health reasons with the principal’s consent, or in the event of an immediate threat to life. If the principal refuses permission to use a phone for health reasons, the decision must be justified in writing.

Importantly, the ban does not apply in boarding schools, on school trips or after classes have ended, when a student uses the sports field or common room.

The act does not cover secondary schools – high schools and technical schools will decide themselves whether to introduce a total ban or merely restrict phone use. Institutions have until December 31, 2026, to adapt their statutes to the new regulations.