Latvia's parliament has enacted a new legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones in primary schools across the country. This change extends the existing ban, which previously only applied to students in grades 1 to 6, now limiting the use of mobile phones until students reach the tenth grade. The law is set to take effect from the beginning of the next academic year, reflecting growing concerns over the impacts of mobile phone usage on young students' cognitive abilities and the risks associated with digital misuse.

The chairperson of the Education, Culture, and Science Committee in the Saeima, Agita Zariņa-Stūre, emphasized that the amendments serve as a clear directive for educational institutions to restrict the purposeless use of mobile phones during school hours. Research indicates that having a personal mobile phone, even when switched off, can adversely affect a person’s cognitive skills and increase the risk of digital abuse. The objective behind this legislative step is to better focus students’ attention on their learning during class time, minimizing distractions that mobile devices may present.

This legislative change aligns with a broader trend in various countries toward regulating mobile phone use in educational settings. It reflects growing recognition among policymakers and educators of the need to create conducive learning environments that mitigate the potential negative effects of technology on students' education and well-being. By reinforcing restrictions in primary education, Latvia aims to support healthier learning experiences for younger students as they transition into higher grades.