In Hungary, it has been officially banned to bring smart devices to schools (3 photos)

More precisely, you can bring them, but at the beginning of the school day, primary and secondary school students will be required to hand over all their phones, tablets and other gadgets to the teacher.





The Hungarians took the issue of their students' academic performance seriously and, after conducting a series of studies, came to the conclusion that children are very distracted by phones during school. They are simply not interested in studying when they have games and social networks at hand all the time.

Therefore, at the legislative level, a harsh decision was made to take away from schoolchildren the opportunity to get stuck in gadgets.

"Hungarian and international research confirms that limiting device use is critical to improving concentration, academic performance and mental health. Experts like Jon Haidt and other psychologists highlight the dangers of screen addiction, calling on more countries to adopt similar measures, many of which are already being considered or implemented by several countries."



In addition to phones, smartwatches and laptops, energy drinks, knives, weapons (including slingshots, bows and maces), alcohol, drugs, pepper spray and tobacco products will be banned from being brought to Hungarian schools.

The amendment to the law underlying the measure was adopted in June, following the spring session of parliament. The government decree aimed at preventing violence in public educational institutions and protecting the physical and mental health of students has caused serious public outrage. They say the rules are like in prison, and they even took away phones.



In September, schools and colleges will face almost prison-like tightening of rules.

It will not be possible to smuggle prohibited items, teachers and school security guards will have the right to search bags and backpacks, as well as places where students’ belongings are stored. Once found, the items will be confiscated until the end of the school day, then they will be returned to their owners.

The decree will come into force on September 1, 2024.