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Poland's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes. Since 1 September 2026, Polish law bans pupils in primary schools and preschools from using phones and other recording or communication devices during lessons, breaks and school activities. Secondary schools set their own rules.
The Act of 3 July 2026, signed by President Karol Nawrocki on 30 July, amends Poland's education law. From 1 September 2026, pupils in public and private primary schools and preschools may not use phones or devices that can communicate or record sound or video during lessons, breaks, extracurricular activities and organised trips. Exceptions: teacher consent for teaching, assessment or urgent contact with parents, head approval for health needs, and threats to life, health or property.
The government approved the draft in June 2026, the Sejm passed it, and it was signed at the end of July in time for the new school year. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said more than half of Polish schools already had voluntary limits. The key next deadline is 31 December 2026: by then schools must update their statutes, remove outdated phone rules, set conditions for trips and boarding, and issue the head's storage procedures.
Schools cannot stop pupils bringing a phone to school, but must decide how phones are stored, for example in lockers, baskets, pouches or backpacks, and must protect security and privacy. The head issues the rules with the agreement of the teachers' and parents' councils, after consulting the student council. Breaches are handled with educational measures, statutory penalties or a lower behaviour grade. Secondary schools may adopt a ban or set other conditions in their statutes.
Whatever the rule in Poland requires, now law in every szkoła podstawowa, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so staff do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Poland, 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 have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ban cover breaks?
Yes. In primary schools and preschools it covers lessons, breaks, extracurricular activities and organised trips.
What is the deadline for updating our statute?
Schools must update their statutes and storage procedures by 31 December 2026, though the ban itself applies from 1 September 2026.
Can Polish schools use phone pouches?
Yes. Ministry guidance lists pouches alongside lockers, baskets and backpacks as storage options the school can choose.
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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