The use of mobile phones during classroom lessons will be prohibited not only for students but also for teachers under planned amendments to Georgia’s education legislation.
Based on the proposed changes to the Law on General Education, the restriction will apply in public schools and is expected to enter into force in the 2026–2027 academic year. The reform is part of a broader effort aimed at improving the quality of the learning environment and reducing distractions during the instructional process.
As explained by the Ministry of Education, the initiative is intended to encourage teachers to set a personal example for students rather than impose an outright ban on educators.
“The fact that a teacher places their mobile phone in a designated storage box together with students’ phones during the lesson will serve as an example for them,” the Ministry said. “This does not have the nature of a ban for teachers; it is about setting a personal example. The essence of the regulation is that the teacher should become a role model for the child.”
The Ministry noted that the detailed regulatory framework has not yet been finalized and is still under development. However, the core principle will focus on minimizing phone use during lessons and reinforcing a culture of attention, discipline, and engagement in the classroom.
The planned reform comes amid wider international debates on the impact of smartphones on students’ concentration, academic performance, and social interaction. In recent years, several countries have introduced or tightened restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, citing concerns over distraction and reduced learning outcomes.
Georgian education officials say further details on implementation mechanisms, exceptions, and oversight will be announced once the draft regulation is completed.
