Hot topic: Should Czech schools hang up on mobile phones in classrooms?

Several European countries have implemented blanket bans on mobile phones in schools in recent years, citing concerns about distractions and well-being. However, in Czechia, the approach is different: schools are allowed to decide for themselves the rules surrounding mobile phone use.

While some experts argue in favor of such autonomy, others suggest that tighter restrictions may be a necessary step to safeguard students' focus and mental health. The discussion gained traction in the country last fall after one town began the school year with a ban on phones.

A conference held at Masaryk University in Brno this month brought together local experts, many of whom rejected the idea of a nationwide ban despite mounting pressure in other European countries. The consensus remains that the decision should be left to individual schools, considering the unique needs of each institution.

At the heart of the debate lies the question of how mobile phones affect students. According to David Šmahel, a researcher at Masaryk University, his research into the impact of digital technologies on adolescents shows that for most students, the effects are minimal.

While 20% of students surveyed reported experiencing increased stress from mobile phone usage, the majority saw no impact on their well-being. Šmahel’s findings suggest that social media has little to no effect on students' moods or social competence, arguing against the necessity of an outright ban.

"Social media had little effect on mood. We also found that technology had no effect on social competence," Šmahel said at the conference in Brno.

"A ban on mobile phones in schools should be based on research, and ours shows that it is unfounded. A European group of scientists also strongly argues for the child's rights to be online, to be connected with family and friends."

Nevertheless, there are arguments in favor of restrictions. A survey by Anreva Solution revealed that some students admitted that excessive use of digital technologies led them to neglect their studies, compromise sleep, and adopt unhealthy eating habits.

These findings are supported by concerns raised by organizations like AI dětem, which noted that some students struggle to disengage from their devices when they are supposed to be focusing on schoolwork.

Though experts disagree on the necessity of a national ban, there is broad consensus on the importance of education about responsible digital usage. According to Jana Klusáková from Onfine, an organization that promotes building a healthy relationship with technology, schools must help students develop self-reflection skills, encouraging them to recognize how technology affects their well-being.

However, experts point to a significant gap in parental involvement. Many parents fail to monitor their children’s online behavior, contributing to the potential negative consequences of mobile phone use.

A 2024 survey by the Czech Ministry of Education found that parents overwhelmingly favored a nationwide mobile phone ban in schools. But representatives from the Ministry assert that digital technologies are an inevitable part of life, and instead of prohibitive measures, it’s crucial to teach students how to use them responsibly.

In comparison to Czechia’s more flexible approach, other European countries have already implemented stricter regulations. France, for example, instituted a nationwide ban in 2018, and the Netherlands followed suit in 2024. Czech neighbor Slovakia also introduced a nationwide ban on phones in the classroom last year.

The debate in Czechia was re-ignited last fall when six elementary schools in Vsetín were mandated by the city to institute a complete ban on mobile phone usage—not only in the classroom, but throughout the entire school day.

The move was criticized by parents along with the Czech Ministry of Education, which contends that the decision to ban phones should not be made by local authorities, but by the schools themselves.