As of early May, Austria implemented a nationwide ban on mobile phones in classrooms across primary schools and in eighth grade settings. Officials from the Austrian Ministry of Education briefed reporters to explain the scope and intent of the measure, outlining how the policy fits into a broader effort to improve focus, classroom management, and student safety. The announcement stressed that the change aims to minimize distractions and create more predictable routines during crucial years of a student’s early schooling. Educators will still be able to exercise professional judgment, and schools may preserve certain exceptions where a device is necessary for teaching or safeguarding students. The policy drew immediate attention from teachers, parents, and school leaders who must now translate a national directive into day to day practice within diverse school communities across the country.
As the ministry described it, the restriction applies during instructional time and within the framework of changes to the eighth grade structure. In practice, phones are to be kept away, not visible or audible, unless a teacher explicitly requires their use to support a lesson. The ministry also indicated that a small number of exemptions can be granted by individual schools, for reasons such as accessibility to digital learning tools, support for students with specific educational needs, or practical demonstrations that require real time data. Multiple school districts plan to pilot the policy with clear guidelines and training for staff so that the transition remains smooth for students and families.
The announcement said the ban would affect public and private schools, including primary education centers, and gymnasia. At the same time, schools may grant exceptions at their own discretion, for example when a phone is essential to demonstrate a concept, access learning apps, or coordinate safety protocols during activities. District offices will not impose blanket rules in every case, but schools can tailor policies to local needs while maintaining the core restriction during class time. In many districts, principals are prepared to issue local procedures that balance discipline with access to resources such as digital textbooks or language apps. The aim is to reduce distractions while ensuring that students can still participate fully in planned activities, assessments, and collaborative work.
Across Russia, similar concerns about mobile devices in classrooms gained attention in 2025. Russian authorities introduced a policy that largely bans mobile devices during lessons in many schools. Students may carry a phone only in emergencies when there is a real threat to life or health for classmates or teachers. Supporters say the rule can help strengthen discipline, focus, and the ability to follow classroom norms during lessons. The measure was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin, with officials arguing that a clear rule reduces interruptions and supports structured learning.
In response, Russian schools began addressing the risk of phone scams through early safety discussions and public information efforts. Reports describe initiatives that include guidance on recognizing suspicious calls and messages, steps to verify identity, and routines for reporting concerns to teachers or administrators. While the broader aim is to keep students safe online and offline, educators in both countries highlight the ongoing tension between streamlined classroom environments and the pervasive presence of smartphones. In the end, the policy discussions reflect a shared effort to protect students while preserving opportunities for digital literacy and responsible use of technology in education.