Government Plans to Ban Phones in Schools—Will It Actually Work?

Government plans to ban mobile phones in schools from 2027, joining Poland, Netherlands, and other nations restricting student device use.

Mobile Phone Ban: According to Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, the government has come up with a proposal to eliminate the use of mobile phones in schools, starting from September 2027. This is part of the greater initiative to combat growing concern regarding screen time's detrimental effect on students' academic performance and classroom behavior. If the proposal passes, phones will prohibited during lessons and all school breaks, with limited exceptions. Schools are only permitted to allow students to use their phones for documented health reasons or for educational purposes where specifically called for in their educational program. The proposal also clearly states that, "Schools will not be able to allow students to take a break from school while on their mobile phones except for these reasons," thereby creating a definitive line for enforcement.

The Czech Republic's proposal to ban mobile phone usage in schools is aligned with a global movement to restrict the access to digital devices in schools. Within the last month, Poland has implemented similar restrictions, joining established bans by the Netherlands, South Korea, and Italy. Research from these countries shows that mobile phones negatively affect student focus, disturb the educational process, and increase student behaviour problems. School administrators in Poland, the Netherlands, and South Korea have all recorded improved focus and behaviour problems after establishing device bans.

“Beyond smartphones, the Czech government is examining broader digital regulation affecting young people.”

Officials are investigating potential bans on social media platforms for children, drawing inspiration from France and other European nations that have adopted stricter oversight of social platforms. Babis indicated that this social media initiative, though not included in the current bill, represents an important policy direction the government plans to pursue.

The social media landscape for minors has become increasingly contentious globally. Australia pioneered age-based restrictions by banning access to ten major social media platforms for users under 16, effective from December 10, 2025. However, enforcement has proven challenging, with widespread reports that many young people continue accessing prohibited apps despite legal barriers. The Australian government just increased the upper limit for penalties associated with social media violations, more than double - now over $99 million Australian Dollars - and now gives the eSafety Commissioner more authority than ever before to enforce compliance.

Implementing any form of mobile phone ban requires significant collaboration among all parties involved including but not limited to the government agencies, school administrations, parents, etc. Schools should develop/implement clear policies defining the difference between permissible and non-permissible mobile phone use; train employees on effectively implementing those policies; deliver strong communication about the expectations for student/parents regarding mobile phone usage. Successful operation of the mobile phone ban ultimately depends upon the consistent application of the policy and community support rather than the supported language of the law alone.

Business Honor is of the view that Czech Republic's mobile phone ban represents a strategic shift in educational policy execution and student behavioral management capabilities.