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Cyprus's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes, for secondary schools. Since 1 November 2024, pupils in Cypriot gymnasia, lyceums and technical schools may not use mobile phones or smart devices during school hours, breaks included. Exceptions exist for genuine health or safety needs.
Parliament approved regulations on 18 October 2024, by 17 votes to 11 with one abstention, banning mobile phones and smart electronic devices during school hours in gymnasia, lyceums and technical schools. The cabinet proposal behind it covered class time and the breaks between lessons. Pupils may bring phones but must keep them switched off. Exceptions cover genuine emergencies involving health or safety, such as a diabetic pupil checking blood sugar.
The Ministry of Education began drafting the ban in May 2024, and the cabinet approved it in June 2024. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou cited distraction and links to delinquency, and pointed to a UNESCO recommendation. Parliament passed the regulations in October 2024 and the ban started on 1 November 2024. Reports describe 2024 to 2026 as an assessment period for the measure.
Schools with lockers can use them to store phones during the day. The minister said the first year would focus on discussion with pupils, especially older ones, rather than punishment. The ministry has also worked on giving pupils alternatives at break time, such as green spaces and creative activities. Primary schools were not part of the 2024 regulations.
Whatever the rule in Cyprus requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so the gymnasio or lykeio does not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Cyprus, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ban cover breaks?
Yes. The ban applies during school hours, including the breaks between lessons.
Does it apply to primary schools?
No. The 2024 regulations cover gymnasia, lyceums and technical schools.
Are there medical exemptions?
Yes. Phones can be used in genuine health or safety emergencies, for example a diabetic pupil measuring blood sugar.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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