A legislative ban on the use of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches during lessons may be introduced in Ukrainian schools. The initiative is being discussed at the level of the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada, but the document has not yet passed the first reading.

Bill No. 15105: essence and status

The Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation of the Verkhovna Rada considered Bill No. 15105, which proposes amendments to Article 53 of the Law of Ukraine "On Education." The main goal of the document is to oblige students not to get distracted by gadgets during classes.

An exception was planned for only two cases: if the equipment is necessary for the educational process or for medical reasons. However, the People's Deputies decided to return the bill to the author for revision after the first reading.

Why the ban was not introduced immediately

According to experts, the lack of unified legislative regulation creates legal uncertainty. Today, schools do not have legal grounds to confiscate phones from students, as this is private property. At the same time, educational institutions have autonomy and can independently regulate the use of gadgets through charters and internal rules.

Educational Ombudsman Nadiya Leshchik emphasizes that without clear laws, practical problems arise: where to store phones during lessons, who is responsible for their safety, and how to react to cases of bullying recorded on video.

Phone as a tool for protecting rights

It is important to note that mobile devices often perform a protective function. Students record cases of cruel treatment, rights violations, or bullying on video — such recordings can become legal evidence. A total ban may deprive children of this tool.

Distractions from learning: research data

The problem of reduced concentration due to gadgets is confirmed by research. According to data from the JAMA journal, teenagers spend an average of 70 minutes on smartphones during each school day when they should be focused on learning. The total screen time for entertainment content reaches 8.5 hours a day.

At the same time, the author of the bill did not provide exact data on whether phones are the main cause of declining academic performance. This became one of the arguments for returning the document for revision.

What is being proposed now

The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Education and Science, together with experts, develop a comprehensive mechanism that clearly regulates the use of digital devices in schools. For now, decisions are made at the level of individual educational institutions.

Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lesnoy previously stated that schools have the full right to restrict the use of mobile phones during classes if they coordinate this decision with parents. No special directives from the Ministry of Education and Science are required for this — it is enough to conclude a "social contract" and organize the collection of phones into boxes or individual lockers before lessons.

What's next

While the bill is in the revision stage, schools continue to operate within their autonomy. Parents, teachers, and experts are waiting for the state to provide clear rules that will ensure a balance between safety, students' rights, and the quality of education.