Image: Poland’s Ministry of National Education
The new school year brought changes to the use of phones and other electronic devices. Here are the key MEN explanations and official resources for parents, teachers and school leaders.
Where do the new rules apply?
According to Poland’s Ministry of National Education (MEN), the Act of 3 July 2026 prohibits children in preschools and pupils in primary schools from using phones and devices that enable remote communication or record images and sound. This covers school premises and educational activities held off site.
School trips and stays in boarding accommodation are governed by the school statute. The prohibition also does not cover the use of school facilities outside teaching hours, such as a sports ground made available to local residents.
In post-primary schools, the statute may prohibit device use or set other conditions, taking account of the statutory exceptions.
When may a phone be used?
A teacher’s permission
Using a device to follow the curriculum, assess learning or contact a parent in an urgent situation.
Health and special needs
Time-limited permission from the headteacher for health reasons, disability or other special needs.
An emergency
Using a device where life, health or property is threatened.
Device storage and school arrangements
A school may provide a place to store devices. If it does, pupils must leave their devices there while their right to privacy is respected. The school community determines the details in agreement with parents and teachers and after consulting pupils.
The rules apply from 1 September 2026; school statutes must be brought into line by 31 December 2026.
If rules are broken, the school applies measures provided for by law and its statute, such as educational interventions, a lower behaviour grade or statutory penalties. MEN also emphasises working with parents on digital wellbeing.
How can parents contact their child?
Agree with the class teacher which channel to use for urgent matters and save the school’s number. If you need to pass on important information quickly, we recommend contacting the school office or class teacher through the agreed channel. Your child should know which adult to approach for help.
Contact the schoolThese are practical recommendations for parents. Please check the specific device storage and communication arrangements with the school.
Materials
The complete MEN resource pack: guides and one-page action checklists. All files are in Polish and open on the official gov.pl website.
- Guide to the Act for preschools20260827_Przewodnik_o_ustawie_dla_przedszkoli.pdfOpen PDF
- Action checklist for preschool directors20260827_Lista_kroków_dla_dyrektora_przedszkola.pdfOpen PDF
- Guide to the Act for primary schools20260827_Przewodnik_o_ustawie_dla_szkół_podstawowych.pdfOpen PDF
- Action checklist for primary school headteachers20260827_Lista_kroków_dla_dyrektora_szkoły_podstawowej.pdfOpen PDF
- Guide to the Act for post-primary schools20260827_Przewodnik_o_ustawie_dla_szkół_ponadpodstawowych.pdfOpen PDF
- Action checklist for post-primary school headteachers20260827_Lista_kroków_dla_dyrektora_szkoły_ponadpodstawowej.pdfOpen PDF