Czech government set to back school mobile phone ban

The Czech government is expected to approve proposed legislation banning mobile phones and other electronic communication devices in kindergartens, primary schools and the lower grades of multi-year grammar schools. The bill, submitted by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) and Education Minister Robert Plaga (ANO), would extend the ban to breaks, school canteens and after-school clubs, while allowing exceptions for medical or special educational needs. Schools could also permit devices for teaching or school trips. Children’s Ombudsman Martin Beneš opposes the proposal, arguing that schools already have the power to regulate phone use through their own internal rules.