New rules in Polish schools? ZNP pressures MEN
The Polish Ministry of Education has announced plans to restrict smartphone use among primary school students as part of new guidelines.
The Polish Minister of National Education, Barbara Nowacka, announced that new regulations will be prepared to limit the use of smartphones by primary school students. These regulations will specify when children are allowed to use their phones during lessons and in school corridors. The objective is to create a more conducive learning environment and minimize distractions caused by mobile devices.
According to the current proposal, the ban would apply to students in grades I-VIII, with exceptions made by teachers if they deem the device necessary for educational purposes. Minister Nowacka emphasized that these new rules are intended to support teachers in managing classroom environments more effectively. The changes are expected to come into effect at the start of the new school year on September 1, 2026, although the legislative process may take longer due to a separate governmental pathway.
This move has sparked discussions within educational and political circles, particularly about balancing technology use in modern education. While some educators and parents support the proposal as a means to address distractions, others raise concerns about students' access to technology for learning purposes. As the date approaches, the Ministry will likely face scrutiny and input from stakeholders to ensure the measures meet educational needs without infringing on students' rights to use technology.