- by croatiaweek
- January 12, 2026
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Croatia’s Ministry of Science, Education and Youth has proposed significant changes to school regulations, including a nationwide ban on mobile phone use in primary schools.
The amendments to the current rulebook have been sent to public consultation, which remains open until 7 February.
According to the Ministry, the changes aim to clearly define student behaviour, improve safety and order in schools, and ensure the effective delivery of education, in line with existing regulations and observed practice.
One of the most notable changes concerns the use of mobile phones and other information and communication devices.
Education Minister Radovan Fuchs explained at a press conference that, under the proposed rules, using such devices in any area of a primary school will be classified as unacceptable behaviour, Dnevnik.hr reported.
Exceptions will apply only for educational, health-related or other approved purposes, with permission from the school.
Students will still be allowed to bring mobile phones to school, but they will not be permitted to use them during the school day. Devices must be kept in bags or lockers, depending on each school’s internal rules.
In secondary schools, the current ban on unauthorised use of devices during teaching remains in place.
Schools will continue to have the option to further restrict mobile phone use outside lessons through their house rules. Minister Fuchs noted that banning phone use during breaks in secondary schools would be difficult to enforce.