Czech experts and government clash over bans on children's social media and school phones

More than 20 Czech researchers from Palacký University, Masaryk University and other institutes argue that a blanket ban on social‑media platforms for children under 15‑16 is ineffective. They call for stronger platform responsibility, parental support and digital‑media education, warning that “a blanket ban can appear as a simple solution but does not address the main causes of the problem.”

The Czech cabinet, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Education Minister Robert Plaga, has drafted a school‑law amendment that would prohibit mobile phones and other electronic devices in kindergartens and primary schools from September 2027, with limited health‑related exemptions.

Opposition politician Zajíčková (ODS) denounces the proposal as populist, suggesting instead that schools provide each pupil with a secured tablet while blocking social‑media apps.

An independent study by the Anton Proksch Institute involving over 72 000 pupils in Austria, Switzerland and Germany found that a three‑week voluntary phone‑free period improved sleep, reduced depressive symptoms and boosted overall well‑being.

Experts cite international evidence that blanket bans do not automatically raise academic performance and may push children toward less‑regulated platforms.