Overview

• Parliament approved a revision to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that prohibits students from using mobile phones and other smart devices during lessons nationwide.
• Schools will formalize local rules over the coming months as the ban is scheduled to start with the spring semester in March 2026.
• Principals and teachers gain explicit authority to restrict possession or use of devices and to respond to violations under school regulations.
• Exceptions permit use for educational purposes with permission, emergencies, and as assistive tools for students with disabilities or those in special education.
• The bill won bipartisan support in a vote reported as 115 of 163 present in favor, with sponsors citing rising youth screen dependence as youth groups raise communication and privacy concerns.