An authorized and official overview based on interviews with schools
Restrictions on children’s mobile phone use are becoming a major topic across Europe in 2025. Some countries, such as Croatia, have already introduced regulations, while Hungary implemented a strict ban on mobile phones in primary schools this year. Czech schools are also starting to address the situation proactively and are looking for ways to ensure safe communication between children and parents without negatively impacting lessons.
Based on authorized interviews with the management of ZŠ Klatovy and the parent association, we present an official summary of the reasons why schools increasingly recommend children’s smartwatches as a more suitable alternative to mobile phones.
Why Schools Dislike Mobile Phones: Distractions and Risky Behavior
Schools point out that mobile phones disrupt lessons and the social environment in the classroom.
Headmistress Mgr. Dana Kočí confirms that ringing phones—often forgotten in backpacks—are a common issue. Such situations interrupt the class and distract the entire group.
Deputy headmistress Mgr. Šárka Brůhová highlights an even more serious risk:
“Several children from our school sent some inappropriate photos to others because they had access to a phone. We had to deal with it together with the parents and the children involved.”
According to teachers, mobile phones bring two main risks:
- unnecessary distractions and reduced attention,
- risky online behavior that children are often not ready to handle.
Smartwatches: A Non-Disruptive and Safer Alternative
All interviewed experts agree that smartwatches are significantly safer and far less disruptive.
Headmistress Mgr. Dana Kočí recommends smartwatches especially for younger children:
“I would recommend a smartwatch instead. I see it as suitable especially for children in the first years of primary school, as parents can constantly keep track of where their children are.”
According to parent association representative Mgr. Jaroslav Vágner, a phone often distracts a child from learning, influences their behavior, and tempts them to use social media. Smartwatches, on the other hand, allow communication with parents—without the apps that divert attention.
Key Benefit: Safety and Oversight Thanks to GPS
A major advantage of smartwatches, according to school management and parents alike, is their safety features.
Deputy headmistress Mgr. Šárka Brůhová emphasizes:
“If the watch has GPS tracking, then I think it gives parents greater peace of mind, knowing where their children are.”
Parents, according to Mgr. Vágner, appreciate being able to contact their child at any time without worrying that a phone might expose them to inappropriate content.
Why Smartwatches Are the Most Recommended Choice for Schools
Interviews show that smartwatches offer a combination of benefits essential for schools and parents:
- they do not disrupt lessons,
- they do not allow access to social networks,
- they enable safe parent–child communication,
- they have GPS tracking,
- they minimize cyber-risk issues,
- they are more affordable than mobile phones,
- they are especially suitable for younger primary school children.
Thanks to all these factors, children’s smartwatches with GPS and calling functions are becoming the most recommended—and often the best-selling—solution for parents of younger school-age children in 2025.
The Direction Is Clear: Europe Is Tightening Rules, Schools Are Seeking Safe Solutions
Interviews with teachers and parents lead to one unanimous conclusion: smartwatches are the most suitable, safest, and least disruptive alternative to mobile phones for younger schoolchildren.
With European trends pointing toward further restrictions, this topic is expected to become even more relevant in schools.
