Georgia’s Legislative Herald has published an order introducing a new mandatory rule restricting the use of electronic communication devices in schools, set to take effect on September 1, 2026.
The regulation, signed by Acting Minister of Education Zviad Gabisonia, will apply to all students in both public and private schools.
Under the new rule, the “unintended use of electronic devices” will be prohibited throughout the educational process, from the first to the last lesson, including breaks.
Students will be required to switch off mobile phones and smart watches and place them in designated lockers before the start of the first lesson.
Tablets and laptops must also be switched off and stored in school-designated spaces or in students’ bags.
The use of electronic devices will be allowed only in specific cases, including for educational purposes with a teacher’s permission, for health monitoring, in emergencies, and for students with special educational needs.
Schools will be required to complete all necessary organisational and technical preparations by the start date. This includes installing secure, lockable storage boxes in classrooms, with individual compartments for each student.
The rule must be reflected in school internal regulations, and schools will appoint responsible staff for the collection and return of devices by order of the school administration.
Schools will also be required to inform parents at the start of each academic year and provide clear communication channels for contacting students during school hours.
Violation of the regulation will result in disciplinary responsibility under school rules and applicable legislation, with sanctions applying both to students and to schools that fail to implement the requirements.
