Poland to restrict smartphone use in primary schools

Warsaw (ANTARA) - The Polish government has announced that it will restrict the use of smartphones in primary schools across the country starting 1 September to protect young people from digital addiction and harmful content. According to a draft amendment to education laws released on the official government website this week, the new regulation will prohibit students from using smartphones both during breaks and during lessons. Exceptions will be made for health monitoring, emergency contact with parents, or educational purposes. This initiative is a response to growing concerns regarding digital addiction among children, as well as its negative impact on their concentration, social relationships, and mental health. “We are not talking about censorship, but rather about possessing the tools to control this digital reality so that young people do not fall victim to unwanted content,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Polish Council of Ministers has also approved a bill to protect minors from online pornography, which will require digital service providers to implement effective age verification methods.