Tirana, Albania – A new directive from the Ministry of Education is set to reshape daily life in Albanian schools: students are no longer allowed to use mobile phones during lessons, and those who break the rule risk being expelled from class.
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| Official decision of the Ministry of Education of Albania regarding the ban on the use of mobile phones during class, September 2025 |
Phones Switched Off During Class
According to the official guidance, phones must remain switched off or set to silent mode throughout lessons. Students are prohibited from making calls, sending messages, or using social media apps during teaching hours. Mobile phones may only be used during breaks, and only for urgent communication.
Teachers hold the authority to permit phone use during lessons—but exclusively if it serves the educational process. Any unauthorized use of mobile devices will be considered a disciplinary offense.
Zero Tolerance During Exams
One of the strictest measures applies to examinations. Phones and other electronic devices are banned entirely during tests. Students caught with a device will be treated as if they attempted to cheat, facing consequences such as annulment of the exam or further disciplinary actions. Exceptions are made only for students with special medical needs, who must receive prior approval from the school administration.
Why This Decision?
The Ministry of Education has stressed that excessive phone use harms concentration and academic performance. With students spending more time on screens than on textbooks, schools have seen declining attention spans and lower results.
“School is a place of knowledge, not distraction,” the directive states, emphasizing that technology should remain a tool—not the purpose—of learning.
Parents and teachers have largely welcomed the decision, praising it as a necessary step to restore discipline and authority in schools. They believe the new rules will reduce the constant pressure of notifications, helping children re-engage with books, classroom discussions, and traditional learning activities.
“Today’s children are more connected to their screens than their teachers. This rule will help them focus again,” said one parent.
Mixed Reactions Among Students
Not all reactions have been positive. Many students argue that smartphones can be useful in education, providing quick access to information, educational apps, and research tools. They consider the total ban too harsh and call for more flexibility, especially in cases where mobile technology could enhance learning.
“Phones are not just for games and social media. They can help us study too,” said several high school students in Tirana.
The Future of Albanian Schools
This bold move places Albanian schools among a growing number of educational systems worldwide that are taking strong measures against digital distractions. While the new directive has sparked debate, it also highlights the government’s determination to prioritize education quality and student focus.
Whether this policy will lead to lasting change remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Albanian classrooms are entering a new era where knowledge, discipline, and concentration are set to come before screens.