Across Europe, governments are increasingly introducing school phone bans or tighter rules on smartphone use during the school day. The goal is to reduce digital distractions, improve classroom focus and support students’ wellbeing.
Research and education policy discussions have highlighted concerns that constant access to smartphones can affect attention spans, learning outcomes and social interaction among pupils. As a result, many European countries are introducing national restrictions or encouraging schools to implement sans téléphone policies.
The movement is accelerating in 2026, with several governments either enforcing bans or planning new legislation.
Countries in Europe With School Phone Bans or National Restrictions
France
France was one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a nationwide school phone ban. Since 2018, mobile phones have been prohibited for students up to age 15 during the school day in primary and lower secondary schools.
Italie
Italy first banned mobile phones in classrooms in 2007. The policy has since been reinforced, with restrictions applying across primary and secondary schools unless devices are used for supervised educational purposes.
Pays-Bas
The Netherlands introduced a national policy in 2024 banning smartphones, tablets and smartwatches in classrooms to reduce distractions and improve learning conditions.
Belgique
Belgium has introduced restrictions on smartphones in some education systems and regions, with schools increasingly implementing their own bans.
Grèce
Greece has introduced nationwide rules regulating phone use in schools, with restrictions on how devices can be used during lessons.
Finlande
Finland strengthened school authority to restrict smartphone use in classrooms through legislation introduced in 2023.
Countries Planning or Debating Phone Bans
Several European countries are now considering similar legislation as concerns around screen time and student wellbeing grow.
Pologne
Poland plans to introduce a ban on mobile phone use in primary schools from 1 September 2026, targeting students aged 7–15.
Espagne
Spain has introduced regional restrictions in schools and is considering broader national policies to regulate smartphone use among students.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has debated national rules, although legal challenges mean policies are currently implemented mainly at individual school level.
Why Governments Are Taking Action
Across Europe, policymakers cite several reasons for introducing Interdiction des smartphones dans les écoles:
- Improving concentration and academic performance
- Reducing classroom disruption
- Limiting cyberbullying during the school day
- Encouraging face-to-face interaction among students
- Supporting mental health and reducing excessive screen time
Education organisations and international bodies have increasingly recommended limiting smartphone use in schools as part of wider digital wellbeing strategies.
A Continuing Policy Shift
The growing number of national policies suggests that phone-free schools are becoming a mainstream approach in Europe. While enforcement methods vary — from classroom bans to full-day phone-free policies — the direction of travel is clear.
For many education systems, the debate has shifted from si smartphones should be restricted in schools to comment those restrictions should be implemented effectively.
As more countries introduce national rules, Europe’s school phone ban movement is likely to continue expanding in the coming years.
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