Czech government moves to ban mobile phones in schools

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Education Minister Robert Plaga have drafted a amendment to the Czech school law that would prohibit the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices by students in kindergartens, primary schools, lower‑grade gymnasiums and conservatories. The ban would apply during lessons, breaks, meals and after‑school programs, with exemptions only for medical reasons or special educational needs such as monitoring diabetes.

The ruling coalition of ANO, SPD and the Motorists is expected to support the proposal at the upcoming cabinet meeting. Child Ombudsman Martin Beneš opposes the nationwide ban, arguing that schools already have the authority to regulate phone use in their own rules and warning that the restriction could damage children’s perception of school and limit their digital literacy. He wrote, "Zásadně pochybuji o tom, že je důvodné upravovat zákaz mobilních telefonů celostátně." The draft cites recommendations from the National Institute of Mental Health, noting concerns about phone‑related addiction, anxiety and reduced concentration.