Czech children’s ombudsman Martin Beneš rejects blanket mobile phone ban in schools

The Czech government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Education Minister Robert Plaga, has drafted an amendment to the school law that would prohibit pupils from using mobile phones or other electronic devices during lessons, breaks, in school canteens and after‑school clubs. The ban would apply to children in kindergartens, primary schools and certain grades of upper secondary schools, with exceptions for health reasons or special educational needs, and is slated to take effect in September 2027.

Public ombudsman for children Martin Beneš has voiced strong opposition, saying the proposal lacks convincing arguments, duplicates rules that 93 % of schools already enforce through their own regulations, and could worsen students’ relationship with schools. He argues the ban is unnecessary, noting that schools can already permit phones for educational purposes, field trips, or on teacher instruction, and that a nationwide prohibition may be counter‑productive.