TBILISI, January 21 – Georgia is preparing to ban the use of mobile phones during classroom lessons, not only for students but also for teachers, under a broader reform of the general education system.
The Ministry of Education of Georgia confirmed on Wednesday that public school teachers will no longer be allowed to use mobile phones during lessons once the reform takes effect. The changes are planned to come into force in the 2026–2027 academic year.
According to the ministry, the aim is for teachers to set a personal example for students. Under the planned approach, teachers would place their phones in storage boxes together with students’ devices during lessons. Officials stressed that the measure is not meant as a punishment for teachers but as a way to reinforce focus and discipline in the classroom. Detailed rules are still being drafted.
The announcement builds on earlier plans revealed in December. On Dec. 2, 2025, Education Minister Givi Mikanadze said the government intended to restrict mobile phone use during the school day as part of a national education reform concept.
At that time, the minister said the goal was to improve students’ concentration and engagement during lessons, while still maintaining a balance so that children’s ability to communicate with parents would not be disrupted. He noted that a specific standard would be developed to regulate phone use in a way that supports learning without cutting off essential contact.
