UNESCO Reveals Over 50 % of Nations Now Ban or Restrict Mobile Phones in Schools

According to the most recent findings from UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring ,GEM, team, more than half of the world’s countries have now placed limitations or outright prohibitions on mobile phone use on school grounds. As of March 2026, about 58% of school systems in 114 nations have embraced these policies, up from 24% in June 2023. 

The important driving forces behind this regulation wave are growing worries about student mental health and academic performance. Educators and policymakers point to diminishing attention spans, the frequency of cyberbullying, and the harmful influence of social media on emotional well-being as important reasons for the crackdown.

Global Variations in Policy

While the trend is leaning toward prohibition, the global approach varies. Countries like France, Bolivia, and the Maldives have introduced strict national bans, particularly for primary and lower secondary education. Conversely, nations such as Indonesia, Serbia, and the Philippines have a delegated approach, requiring schools to develop their own internal policies rather than following a rigid nationwide mandate. 

In the United States, although there is no federal ban, 39 states have already introduced regulations or bills to curb classroom phone use. This reflects a growing consensus that emotional stability is a prerequisite for academic success, necessitating a controlled digital environment for the younger generation.

Read the full report here 

Also read, UK Announces Steep Visa Fee Increase in 2026, Impact Likely on Students and Workers