On Thursday, 12 March, the Saeima expanded the ban on the use of mobile phones in schools, and from now on pupils will not be allowed to use mobile phones throughout primary school from grade 1 to 9, except if the use of phones is allowed by the teacher to aid the learning process.

Until now, the ban was only applied to pupils in grades 1 to 6, however, starting with the next school year, the use of mobile phones in schools will only be allowed from grade 10, as proposed in the amendments to the Education Law adopted in the final reading.

“These amendments clearly signal to the founders of educational institutions that aimless use of mobile phones must be restricted in schools. Studies show that the mere presence of a personal mobile phone, even if it is turned off, can negatively affect cognitive abilities, as well as increase the risk of digital emotional abuse. Therefore, it is important that the restriction will now apply throughout primary school, allowing pupils to fully focus on learning at school,” said Agita Zariņa-Stūre, Chair of the Education, Culture and Science Committee responsible for advancing the draft law in the Saeima.

The ban on the use of mobile phones throughout primary school will take effect on 1 June 2026.

Saeima Press Service