Smartphone Restrictions in Luxembourg Schools to Come into Force from Late April

Luxembourg’s Ministry of Education, Children and Youth has confirmed the upcoming implementation of new regulations on the use of smartphones and similar connected devices in primary and secondary schools, as part of its Screen Life Balance campaign launched at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.

According to the ministry, the negative impact of screen time and social media on the development and well-being of children and young people continues to grow. Scientific studies consistently link excessive digital consumption to mental health issues, physical development concerns and decreased academic performance.

The Screen Life Balance initiative aims to significantly reduce screen time and promote a better balance between digital activities and real-life experiences among children and adolescents. In this context, new Grand Ducal regulations will soon come into effect to strictly limit the use of smartphones and internet-connected devices in both primary and secondary schools, the ministry shared in a statement.

After the Easter school holidays, from Tuesday 22 April 2025, smartphones and similar connected devices will be banned throughout the school day in primary schools, including during breaks and all school-related activities. Limited exceptions will apply for educational or medical use. The rules will also extend to after-school childcare facilities (maisons relais).

In secondary schools, starting Monday 2 June 2025 (after the Pentecost holidays), a physical separation between students and their smartphones will become mandatory during class time. Each school will be required to adopt a charter to enforce this rule and may introduce additional restrictions in consultation with their school communities. The ministry noted that further details would follow.

IK