President Says Lithuania May Need a National Decision on Phone Use in Schools

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda says the country may need a national decision on whether pupils can use mobile phones in schools.

A final assessment is expected in the second half of September, when authorities will review how schools are managing the issue. Nausėda believes schools across Lithuania should follow a uniform approach rather than set separate rules.

The education, science and sports minister is not rushing to impose a ban. She wants to wait until an amended law takes effect. If schools fail to meet their obligations, the rules could become stricter.

A presidential adviser said Nausėda believes children should not use phones in educational institutions. Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has not said whether he would support a nationwide ban, but he referred to other countries’ efforts to restrict social-media access for minors.