Poland to Ban Phones in Primary Schools from September

30 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The school mobile phone ban starts 1 Sept 2026 for Polish primary schools, standardising rules nationwide and affecting thousands of families.

The government passed a law that introduces a school mobile phone ban in all Polish primary schools from 1 September 2026. Consequently, the rule covers lessons, breaks and organised off-site classes, and it ends a long patchwork of local policies.

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What changes and who must follow the rule

The new law adds Article 98a to the Education Law. Therefore, public and non-public primary schools must forbid mobile phones and other recording devices during the entire school day. Moreover, the ban applies on school grounds, during breaks, and on school-led trips and outdoor sports classes. However, secondary schools like liceums and technical schools remain outside the national rule. Consequently, older students will face different rules in neighbouring institutions.

Exceptions and local implementation of the school mobile phone ban

The bill defines a closed list of exceptions. First, a teacher can allow phone use for a lesson or for an urgent contact with a parent. Second, the school director can grant written permission within three working days for health needs or disability access. Third, immediate danger to life or health overrides the ban. Fourth, visiting sports halls after hours do not fall under the law. In addition, schools may set up lockers or deposits for phones, but directors decide whether to do so.

How schools will enforce rules and possible consequences

Each school will use tools already in its statute to enforce the ban. For example, administrators may give warnings, formal reprimands, or sign a behavioural contract. Moreover, the law allows phone breaches to affect the student’s conduct grade. Therefore, parents should know this can matter for future selective school admissions. Also, the law leaves discipline procedures to schools, so enforcement may vary in tone and strictness.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat parent, check your child’s school statute before 1 September. Schools in Poland use a “statut” to set many internal rules. In addition, apply in writing for director permission if your child needs a device for health apps. Note that Polish administrators often use national IDs (PESEL) when they enrol pupils. Also, public healthcare runs under the NFZ (National Health Fund) and social security uses ZUS. Finally, a “mandat” means a fine from police or municipal services in local practice, not a school punishment.

In Warsaw alone, the change affects several hundred primary schools and over 130,000 pupils. Consequently, neighbourhood differences between districts like Ursynów and Praga will disappear for primary pupils. Moreover, the city’s education office may issue recommendations on phone deposits, but directors keep final say. Therefore, parents should prepare now and discuss routines with their child.

Implementation begins the first day of the new school year. However, the bill still needs final Sejm readings and publication in the Dziennik Ustaw to become formal law. In addition, school boards must set rules for trips and boarding houses by 31 October 2026. Therefore, check the school’s website or contact the office before term starts.

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