An appeal to the head of the Ministry of National Education and Science
On the occasion of World No Mobile Phone Day, observed on July 15, the Civil Affairs Institute urged Minister Przemysław Czarnek to implement a nationwide ban on children using mobile phones in schools. The Institute argued that school governance documents should govern phone use, and the Ministry of Education and Science clarified to PAP that school rules determine how devices are used within each facility.
The appeal centers on the belief that a top-down policy would standardize practices across schools and reduce inconsistencies in how rules are applied. The Institute notes that such an approach would reflect the authority of the Education Act, which provides a framework for restricting the use of telecommunications and electronic devices in educational settings. In some cases, this could mean prohibiting phone use during lessons or requiring students to deposit devices in a designated area while on school premises.
According to the Civil Affairs Institute, current implementations vary widely from one school to another, and enforcement can be uneven. The Institute argues that a national directive would minimize these disparities and help protect students from disruptive smartphone use. They pointed to recent examples from other countries where similar bans have been implemented, such as the Netherlands starting January 1, 2024, and national policies already in place in France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. These observations are presented in the Institute’s report and related materials on safe digital technology use for young people (citation: Civil Affairs Institute reports and related studies).
The appeal suggests that the modernization of school statutes, aligned with the Education Act, would empower school leaders to regulate mobile phone use more consistently. It highlights the potential to specify not only provisions about classroom use but also obligations regarding where devices should be stored during school hours. Yet, the Institute acknowledges that practical challenges remain, including the varied interpretation and application of these rules across different institutions (citation: Civil Affairs Institute commentary).
Proponents argue that a decisive, top-down ban would likely lessen the negative effects associated with smartphone use among Polish students. They assert that reducing distractions and encouraging healthier digital habits could support academic performance and long-term well-being. The group maintains openness to presenting a formal case to the minister and offering assistance in preparing for this policy shift if needed (citation: Civil Affairs Institute summary).
The education department responds
PAP sought comment from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science regarding the letter. The ministry reiterated that schools themselves set rules for mobile phones and other electronic devices, along with the criteria for student behavior assessment. These matters are ultimately governed by the provisions of the Education Act, which specify that a student’s obligations regarding carrying and using mobile devices on school grounds should be outlined in the school’s charter.
In practical terms, depending on local needs, a school may include and regulate these issues in its charter, which also outlines the rights and duties of the pupil. The ministry noted that each school implements an educational and preventive program determined by the parent council in consultation with the education council. As a result, parents contribute to the shaping of the educational and preventive measures affecting students.
The ministry added that schools should be child-friendly environments, with principals responsible for diagnosing developmental needs, identifying protective and risk factors, and planning the activities described in the school’s educational and preventive program. Parents or guardians retain the right to approach the principal with concerns about the school’s functioning. The summary of the ministry’s position remains clear: schools govern device use in alignment with statutory guidelines, while parental involvement helps shape the broader educational approach (citation: Ministry of Education, Culture and Science summary).
kk/PAP
Source: wPolityce