Czechia moves to ban mobile phones in schools from September 2027

Summary

Good afternoon, the government today held its penultimate cabinet meeting before the summer break, with two bigg-ish announcements set to impact the very young and the very old. Meanwhile, President Pavel was in Ostrava to talk about the importance of culture in our fragmented societies, and some Prague public transport news. Here's this afternoon's wrap-up.This afternoon's top storyCzechia moves to ban mobile phones in schools The government backed a proposal to ban the use of mobile phone in Czech schools, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced after today's cabinet meeting. The new measure, which has been at the center of heated debates in recent months, will apply in kindergartens and elementary schools, most likely from September 2027.What will change? Until now, individual schools could decide whether or not to ban mobile phones, either during classes or breaks. The new ban applies to schools across the board, and forbids pupils from using their phone including in between classes, except in extraordinary cases (like for health reasons). It doesn't apply, however, to secondary schools, universities or vocational schools.More top headlinesPavel praises importance of cultural festivalsIn an exclusive interview for Czech Radio recorded at the Colours of Ostrava festival, President Petr Pavel praised the importance of culture and festivals - like the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Colours of Ostrava or Pohoda in neighboring Slovakia - as key to fostering political dialogue and social cohesion. Musical bliss. "They allow people with different opinions to come together in one place and enjoy something together. Especially today, in a partially divided society, I think that is extraordinarily important," Pavel said, in particular highlighting the communal spirit he experienced at a recent Iron Maiden concert.Government approves higher pensions for 80+The government today approved changes to the pension system, increasing the pensions for working pensioners a...