Children’s advisory panel challenges Czech school phone ban proposal

Young members of the Czech children’s ombudsman’s advisory team have unanimously rejected proposed nationwide restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, saying lawmakers have failed to consult those directly affected.

The panel supports discussion of reasonable school-specific rules but opposes a blanket approach, the ombudsman’s office said Tuesday. Members also called for better education about digital risks and healthy technology use.

The Education Ministry disputed the description of the proposal as a blanket ban. It said the amendment would preserve educational uses of technology while addressing phone use particularly during breaks.

Children’s Ombudsman Martin Beneš said Monday’s advisory meeting showed that young people understood the risks, had considered possible rules and wanted to participate in the debate.

“It saddened me to hear children describe feeling overlooked in the political discussion about mobile phones in schools,” he said in the office’s statement.

Beneš, who submitted comments on the amendment in July, said children should be involved in preparing legislation that concerns them.

Panel members discussed their experiences of existing school rules and raised practical questions about the proposal. Schools commonly use digital information systems, they noted, and restricting access could prevent pupils from checking last-minute timetable changes.

They also questioned the fairness of adults imposing comprehensive restrictions on pupils that they would not accept for themselves.

The panel’s position represents the participating young advisers rather than a nationwide survey of children’s views.

Education Ministry spokesman Ondřej Macura said Minister Robert Plaga regarded the proposal as “smart regulation,” with modern technology remaining welcome in lessons.

The ministry said schools should provide alternative activities during breaks. It linked that aim to its Aktivní škola, or Active School, project, which encourages opportunities for children to move during the school day.

The amendment is on the Chamber of Deputies’ agenda for a first reading. It has not become law.

As drafted, restrictions could cover lessons, breaks, after-school care and school cafeterias. They would apply to children in kindergartens and elementary schools, as well as corresponding lower grades at multi-year academic secondary schools and conservatories.

Exceptions would allow devices needed for health reasons or special educational needs—for example, monitoring diabetes or providing assistive support.

Schools could also permit phones and tablets for educational purposes and allow their use on school trips and excursions.

Currently, individual schools can regulate phone use through their own school rules. For parents and pupils, those existing rules remain the relevant guide while lawmakers consider the amendment and its proposed exceptions.