Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth has signed an order approving general rules governing the use of electronic communication devices in schools, reports local business outlet BMG.
Under the new regulations, schools must purchase and install a sufficient number of special storage units for mobile phones and smartwatches by September 1, 2026. BMG reports that these storage facilities must be placed in every classroom.
The order prohibits the non-educational use of electronic communication devices during the learning process. Students will be required to place their mobile phones and smartwatches in designated storage units before the first lesson begins.
However, the use of such devices will be permitted in several cases, including:
- For educational purposes, with prior authorization from a designated school official;
- For health monitoring or other medical needs, provided that the student’s parent or legal guardian has submitted relevant supporting documentation to the school;
- In emergencies and urgent situations;
- For students with special educational needs or disabilities, based on a joint decision involving an inclusive education specialist (where available), the class teacher, and the parent or legal guardian;
- When required to support a student’s individual learning or functional needs, as confirmed by an appropriate specialist;
- In other cases defined by the school’s internal regulations.
BMG reports that violations of the rules will result in disciplinary measures in accordance with school regulations and Georgian legislation.
The order also addresses communication between parents and students during school hours. Schools will be required to establish official communication channels for parents and legal guardians, including the school administration’s contact phone number, the class teacher’s email address and phone number, as well as school information systems, social media platforms, and other communication tools.
The Georgian government first announced plans to ban mobile phone use in schools at the end of last year.
