A total of 79 education systems worldwide have implemented bans on smartphones in schools as concerns over their impact on learning and student privacy continue to be debated, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) team.
By the end of 2023, 60 education systems—accounting for 30% of the global total—had introduced restrictions through policies and legislation aimed at reducing digital addiction among children. In 2024, 19 additional education systems followed suit, increasing the total to 79, representing 40% of the world’s education systems. Despite these growing restrictions, India has yet to introduce any specific national law or policy regulating smartphone use in schools.
Varied Approaches to Smartphone Bans
Different countries have implemented various policies and rules regarding smartphone usage in schools. In China, for instance, the city of Zhengzhou requires parental consent before allowing smartphones in primary and secondary schools for educational purposes. Similarly, France has proposed a “digital break” for lower secondary students as an extension of existing restrictions.
Conversely, some nations have reversed their prohibitions. Saudi Arabia lifted its smartphone ban following concerns raised by disability rights groups, highlighting the necessity for medical accommodations.
Regional and National Regulations
Regulations differ widely across jurisdictions. In Australia, only two of its nine territories—New South Wales and South Australia—have imposed restrictions. In Spain, 14 of its 17 autonomous communities have implemented bans, with Basque Country, La Rioja, and Navarre being the exceptions. In the United States, 20 out of 50 states enforce varying levels of restrictions, ranging from California’s Phone-Free School Act to outright bans in Florida, Indiana, and Ohio.
Some US states provide guidelines for schools to establish independent policies. For example, Indiana mandates that school boards publicly display their policies on smartphone usage, including whether students may use phones during lunch breaks.
Privacy and Educational Impact
Beyond bans, some countries have also restricted specific applications over data privacy concerns. Denmark and France have banned Google Workspace in schools, while certain German regions have prohibited the use of Microsoft products. Studies indicate that smartphones in classrooms negatively affect academic performance. The UNESCO GEM report highlights that even the presence of a smartphone with notifications can significantly distract students.
Moreover, privacy concerns remain paramount. In 2023, only 16% of countries had laws ensuring data privacy in education. An analysis found that 89% of the 163 educational technology solutions recommended during the pandemic had the potential to surveil children. Additionally, 39 out of 42 governments offering online schooling during the pandemic were found to be using methods likely to violate children’s rights.
With the debate ongoing, the future of smartphone use in educational settings remains a contentious issue worldwide.
