Last updated on November 7, 2025
Yes, it is allowed. The Ministry of Education and Sports of Albania has issued an official directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones by students and teachers during lessons in all pre-university institutions. This measure is legally binding and aims to improve focus and reduce distractions in classrooms.
A Clear Policy for Modern Classrooms
Albania has taken a decisive step to reshape its learning environment. The Ministry of Education and Sports introduced a nationwide ban on mobile phone use during lessons, formalized through an official instruction published in the Official Gazette. This directive applies to all public and private pre-university schools, signaling a strong commitment to academic integrity and student well-being.
The policy is rooted in the Law on Pre-University Education, which empowers the ministry to regulate classroom conduct and ensure optimal learning conditions. By restricting mobile phone use, the government seeks to curb distractions, prevent cyberbullying, and promote face-to-face interaction between students and teachers. The decision aligns with international best practices and reflects growing concerns about the impact of digital devices on concentration and mental health.
What the Directive Requires
The instruction is comprehensive and leaves little room for ambiguity:
- Students are prohibited from using mobile phones during lessons and while on school premises unless explicitly authorized for educational purposes.
- Teachers must also refrain from using phones during teaching hours, except in emergencies or when approved for pedagogical needs.
- Devices brought to school must remain switched off or in airplane mode and stored in designated areas until the end of the school day.
Schools are responsible for enforcing the ban. If a student violates the rule, the phone is confiscated and handed to the school administration. Parents are notified and must retrieve the device personally. Repeat violations can lead to disciplinary measures, including counseling sessions or participation in awareness programs.
Legal and Cultural Context
This directive is not an isolated measure. It builds on Albania’s broader educational reforms aimed at improving quality and inclusivity. The Law on Pre-University Education grants the ministry authority to issue binding instructions for school operations. The mobile phone ban is part of a national strategy to create safe, distraction-free learning environments and reduce risks associated with uncontrolled device use, such as exposure to harmful content and academic dishonesty.
The ministry emphasizes that the ban does not oppose technology in education. Albania continues to invest in digital infrastructure, including smart classrooms and e-learning platforms. The restriction targets misuse, ensuring that technology serves learning rather than undermining it.
Exceptions and Special Provisions
The directive allows exceptions in specific cases:
- Students with documented health needs may use phones under administrative approval.
- Communication with parents during emergencies is facilitated through school staff.
- Teachers may use devices for teaching purposes if authorized by the school director.
These provisions ensure flexibility while maintaining the core principle of minimizing distractions during lessons.
Why This Matters
Studies cited by the ministry show that limiting phone use improves concentration, reduces anxiety, and fosters better social interaction. By implementing this ban, Albania joins a growing list of countries prioritizing student well-being over unrestricted digital access. The directive reflects a cultural shift toward balanced technology use in education.
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Sources
Instruction of the Ministry of Education and Sports on banning mobile phones in schools – Official Gazette of Albania
https://qbz.gov.al
September 2025
Law on Pre-University Education – Ministry of Education and Sports
https://arsimi.gov.al
Ongoing