Czech Government Backs Mobile Phone Ban in Primary Schools and Kindergartens

A statutory ban on mobile phones in kindergartens and primary schools has moved a step closer in the Czech Republic. The government has approved the corresponding amendment to the Education Act.

The Czech government supports the proposal to legally prohibit the use of mobile phones and tablets during lessons at selected schools. The corresponding amendment to the Education Act was approved by the Cabinet on Monday.

Under the proposal by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Education Minister Robert Plaga, the ban would apply from 1 September 2027 in kindergartens, primary schools and the lower years of multi-year grammar schools. It would cover mobile phones and comparable electronic devices during lessons and other educational activities.

According to the government, the ban is intended to improve the learning environment, encourage direct communication between pupils and counter the potential negative effects of excessive smartphone and social media use on children's mental health. However, the use of digital technologies for teaching purposes would not be restricted by the new rules. Exceptions are planned, among others, for children who need mobile phones for health reasons.

The opposition criticised the proposal as populist and argues that, instead of introducing a ban, children should be taught how to use digital media responsibly and schools across the country should be equipped with tablets. It also argues that legislation is unnecessary, as 93 per cent of schools have already introduced rules governing smartphone use in their school regulations.

Mobile phone bans in schools are also being discussed in other countries. Across the European Union, the question of introducing a social media ban for children has also become a topic of debate.