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Is the Czech Republic Banning Phones in Schools? What Schools Need to Know
Not yet. There is no national law today, but in July 2026 the Czech cabinet approved an Education Act amendment that would ban pupils' phones in kindergartens, basic schools and lower years of multi-year gymnázia from 1 September 2027. Parliament still has to pass it.
Today Czech schools set their own phone rules. The Education Act lets a school restrict phone use, including storage in lockers, through its school rules (školní řád), approved by the school board. In 2024 the Education Ministry said the decision rests with the head teacher, not the municipality that runs the school. The Children's Ombudsman says most schools already have such rules.
In July 2026 the cabinet of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš unanimously approved an amendment to the Education Act. It would ban phones and similar devices for children in kindergartens, basic schools, lower years of multi-year gymnázia and conservatories from 1 September 2027. Reports say it would cover lessons, breaks, canteens, after-school clubs and school groups. The bill must still pass both chambers of parliament.
Planned exemptions include children who need a phone for health reasons, such as diabetes monitoring, pupils with special educational needs, and teaching use approved by the school. Older secondary students would stay under school rules. Opposition parties called the bill populist and argued for school tablets and digital literacy instead. The Children's Ombudsman questioned whether a national ban was needed.
Whatever the Czech bill requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so základní školy and gymnázia do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to the Czech Republic, 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
When would the Czech school phone ban take effect?
The government bill proposes 1 September 2027. It only becomes law if parliament passes it, so the date could change.
Can our school ban phones now without waiting for the law?
Yes. The Education Act already lets a school restrict phones through its school rules, approved by the school board. The ministry has said this is the head teacher's decision, not the municipality's.
Would the ban apply to upper secondary students?
As approved by the cabinet, no. It targets kindergartens, basic schools, lower years of multi-year gymnázia and conservatories. Upper secondary schools would keep setting their own rules.
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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