{
  "id": 27895,
  "title": "Poland bans use of smartphones by children in primary schools and kindergartens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/31/poland-bans-use-of-smartphones-by-children-in-primary-schools-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-07-31T12:47:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Notes from Poland",
    "slug": "notes-from-poland",
    "url": "https://notesfrompoland.com/2026/07/31/poland-bans-use-of-smartphones-by-children-in-primary-schools-and-kindergartens/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Poland has enacted legislation prohibiting children from using smartphones and other electronic devices in primary schools and kindergartens, aiming to enhance their wellbeing and safety. This new rule, signed by opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki on Thursday, will be enforced from the beginning of the academic year on September 1st, while schools have until the end of 2026 to adapt. The law restricts the use of smartphones and devices capable of communication or audio/video recording throughout the entire school day, including breaks and classes held outdoors. Schools may designate secure storage areas for devices if desired, respecting student privacy.\n\nHowever, exceptions exist for students with medical conditions, disabilities, or other special requirements. In such cases, headteachers may permit smartphone usage. Emergency situations where there is an immediate threat to life, health, or property also permit mobile phone use. Pupils may rely on personal devices for educational purposes if a teacher deems it necessary and grants consent.\n\nSecondary schools retain the autonomy to establish their own policies regarding smartphone use, but the law does not mandate such restrictions. The draft law passed through the Sejm, Poland’s lower chamber, after initial approval in June, with amendments that included inclusion of kindergartens. The upper house, the Senate, passed the bill without changes, sending it to President Nawrocki for final approval. The president opted to sign the law, citing the intention to foster safer learning environments and promote responsible digital technology use by students. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka emphasized that the legislation would bolster teachers' authority, autonomy, and order in schools, noting that many institutions already enforce similar bans. According to a CBOS survey conducted in April, 85% of Poles support the smartphone ban in primary schools. Poland has been increasingly focused on safeguarding young individuals from digital dangers, and this measure follows a recent law banning online content depicting illegal acts or abusive behavior, known as \"patostreaming.\" The government is also considering stricter age-verification rules for accessing online pornography. Additionally, the digital affairs ministry plans to introduce measures to block children's access to social media.",
  "summary": "President Karol Nawrocki signed the bill into law after it received near-unanimous support in parliament.",
  "key_points": [
    "Poland bans smartphones in primary schools and kindergartens starting September 1st.",
    "Law restricts use of communication or recording-capable devices throughout school day.",
    "Exceptions for students with medical conditions, disabilities, or special requirements."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}