The Polish government has taken a significant step to safeguard minors from digital addiction and harmful online content by banning mobile phones in primary schools and kindergartens. President Karol Nawrocki signed the law on Thursday, following its approval by the Polish parliament earlier this month. This law is set to take effect on September 1, as reported by Polish publication TVP.
The legislation prohibits students in both public and private primary schools from using mobile phones and other electronic devices capable of communication or sound and image recording.
The ban will be enforced during class hours, breaks, and other school activities, including physical education lessons held in external sports facilities. Additionally, preschool-aged children will be barred from bringing or using electronic devices during educational and care activities, including those conducted outside the kindergarten premises.
Permitted Exceptions
However, exceptions will be made at the discretion of teachers, allowing devices during lessons or assessments, in cases of urgent parental contact, or when there is an immediate threat to health or life. School principals will also be authorized to permit the use of devices for students with illnesses, disabilities, or special needs, including health monitoring applications. This exception will likewise apply to preschool children.
The national restrictions will not extend to high schools, though these institutions can implement their own bans or regulations regarding student mobile device usage.
Broader Measures in the Works
This ban is part of a broader governmental initiative to restrict minors’ access to online platforms. Plans include preventing children under 15 from using social media and introducing age verification requirements for adult-oriented websites.
Australia has set a precedent by being the first country to enact legislation banning social media use among children under 16, prompting governments across Europe, including Denmark, France, Spain, Greece, and the United Kingdom, to consider similar restrictions.
A recent SW Research survey conducted for the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita found that 64.3% of Polish citizens support prohibiting social media use among children under 16 years old.
In a classroom setting, a teacher enforcing the mobile phone ban is depicted in an illustrative image. PHOTO: © Robert Kneschke | Dreamstime.com
