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Mongolia's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes. Mongolia's Cabinet banned smartphone use at schools from 1 October 2018, with reports describing it as covering lessons. From the 2026-27 school year the government also banned social media use in general education schools.
The ban was approved by Mongolia's Cabinet in September 2018 and took effect on 1 October 2018. It bars students from using smartphones at school. Local reporting said it applies during lessons and that phones may be used at breaks. Reports also mention limited exceptions for children with disabilities, for example to contact parents. Children may use phones outside school hours.
The Cabinet linked the ban to rising screen and social media use among young people, citing very high Facebook use in Mongolia. In August 2026 the Minister of Education and Science, Luvsantseren Enkh-Amgalan, announced that from the 2026-27 school year, starting 1 September, social media use will be banned in general education schools, including school chat groups and pages linking teachers, parents and students.
Schools set their own arrangements for collecting or storing phones. The 2026 change affects how teachers work: many used Facebook groups to set homework and talk to parents, and those school social media groups are to close. Published reports do not describe a national fine or a standard storage method.
Whatever the 2018 Cabinet rule requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so the school does not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Mongolia, 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?
Reports on the 2018 decision say it covers lessons and that students may use phones at breaks, though schools can set stricter rules.
What changed in 2026?
From the 2026-27 school year, social media use is banned in general education schools, including school chat groups for parents, teachers and students.
Are there exemptions?
Reports mention limited exceptions for children with disabilities, for example to contact parents.
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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