The return to school brings an important change for thousands of Portuguese students, with new restrictions on mobile phone use in schools. The big news this school year is the extension of the ban to 3rd cycle students, that is, young people attending 7th, 8th and 9th grade. Until now, restrictions focused primarily on younger students, but now the goal is to more comprehensively limit smartphone use during school hours, aiming to reduce distractions, promote greater interaction among students and reduce problems associated with excessive device use.
There are, however, exceptions provided for duly justified situations, namely when the equipment is necessary for health reasons, accessibility or for certain authorized pedagogical activities.
Despite the change already applying this school year, schools have the first term to prepare for the implementation of the new rules for 3rd cycle students. This means there is an adaptation phase until the end of 2026, during which educational establishments can prepare procedures and inform students and parents about how the measure will be applied. Each school may already have its own procedures regarding the use and storage of equipment.
The decisive date arrives on January 1, 2027. From then on, the ban on smartphone use by 3rd cycle students becomes mandatory. Parents should also consult the rules defined by their children's school during this transition period.
