Cyprus expands ban on mobile devices in schools to include smartwatches

The Ministry of Education in Cyprus has effectively extended its existing ban on the use and carriage of mobile phones in schools to include smartwatches and other smart devices. As of August 2026, educational authorities emphasized that the regulation is necessary because many modern wearable devices function as computers or mobile phones, potentially circumventing established school policies. The Directorate of Primary Education issued a circular noting that students are increasingly wearing digital watches capable of making calls or connecting via Bluetooth.

The decision stems from the practical impossibility for teachers to perform daily checks on every student's wearable device to determine if it contains a SIM card or has active wireless connectivity. By classifying smartwatches alongside mobile phones and tablets, the ministry aims to maintain a focused learning environment. While the initiative originated from recent efforts to restrict phone usage across different educational levels, these new guidelines clarify that the prohibition now covers any gadget capable of telecommunication, ensuring consistent enforcement throughout the academic day.