The Czech government has introduced legislation aimed at banning the use of mobile phones in schools beginning in September 2027, Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced on Monday. The proposed measure would prohibit phone usage not only during classroom instruction but also during breaks, with allowances made for health-related reasons or educational activities as permitted by individual schools.

This initiative aligns the Czech Republic with a growing number of countries implementing restrictions on students’ access to mobile devices to address concerns about their impact on concentration and behavior. Recent examples include Poland, which this month enacted a smartphone ban in schools, joining the Netherlands, South Korea, and Italy in taking similar steps.

In addition to phone bans, other nations have moved to restrict children's access to social media platforms. Australia was the first country to limit social media use for young users, and the United Kingdom recently announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from accessing certain social media sites. France and several other countries have also adopted stricter regulations in response to worries about the negative effects of social media on children.

Prime Minister Babis indicated that the Czech government is considering similar restrictions on social media platforms for children, reflecting growing international concern over their potential harm. The proposed school phone ban and broader social media measures are part of an ongoing effort to reduce screen time and mitigate risks associated with digital technology among youth.