Ban on mobile phones in compulsory schools in Ticino

Context

TL;DR

• Mobile phones banned in Ticino schools from March 2026
• Ban covers all school areas, including outdoor spaces
• 62% of students use phones during school, causing distraction
• 20% academic performance improvement expected

Key facts

• Cosa: Mobile phones banned in compulsory schools
• Quando: Starting March 30, 2026
• Dove: All school areas in Ticino, including classrooms and outdoor spaces
• Chi: Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) of Ticino
• Motivazione: Reduce distractions and promote healthier learning environment
• Impatto: Expected 20% improvement in academic performance
• Studio: 62% of middle school students use phones during school hours
• Altre regioni: Similar bans in Vaud and Valais cantons

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) of the Canton of Ticino has announced an important change for the school system: starting March 30, 2026, the use of mobile phones and other mobile devices will be prohibited throughout the premises of compulsory schools. This decision, which affects middle schools and elementary schools, was made after extensive consultation with all stakeholders in the educational sector, including teachers, parents, and students. According to the DECS, mobile devices must remain turned off and out of sight in all school areas, which include classrooms, hallways, restrooms, gyms, and even outdoor spaces such as gardens and courtyards.

The director of DECS, Marina Carobbio, emphasized that the growing reliance on electronic devices poses a serious problem for individual and public health. 'Schools can and must play an active role in this context,' Carobbio stated, highlighting the importance of promoting a healthy and productive learning environment.

According to a study conducted in 2022 by the School Psychology Service of Ticino, 62% of middle school students reported using their mobile phones during school hours, with 43% of them indicating difficulties in concentrating. The situation is particularly critical in the municipalities of Lugano and Bellinzona, where high rates of mobile device usage among youth have been recorded.

This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at prevention and raising awareness about the risks associated with excessive mobile phone use among young people and could positively impact cross-border workers and families living in Ticino but working in Italy. Schools will need to implement new regulations to ensure compliance with the ban and promote alternative activities, such as art and sports workshops, to encourage social interaction.

To facilitate the implementation of this regulation, the DECS will provide schools with an operational checklist that will include:

• Communication to families regarding the new regulations
• Training for teachers on the use of alternative teaching methodologies
• Awareness activities for students about the risks of excessive technology use

The ban on mobile phones in compulsory schools may also lead to an increase in academic productivity. Comparing the results of schools that have already adopted similar measures in other regions, a 20% improvement in students' academic performance has been recorded. With the implementation of this new regulation, Ticino aligns itself with other Swiss cantons, such as Vaud, which have already implemented similar measures, creating a healthier and more productive educational environment for future generations.

Operational details

The new directives from DECS (Department of Education, Culture and Sports) represent a significant response to the growing concern over technology addiction among youth. The ban on mobile phone use applies to all compulsory schools in Ticino, also covering surrounding areas such as courtyards and school meeting places. This initiative, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, aims to improve the quality of education and the well-being of students.

The penalties for violating the new regulations have not been specified, but DECS indicated that the approach will be primarily educational. Families of cross-border workers, especially those from municipalities like Mendrisio and Ponte Tresa, will need to adapt to these new rules, which could alter their daily routines. For instance, parents may need to plan how to communicate with their children during school hours, considering that mobile phones will not be usable.

Moreover, DECS has planned training interventions for teachers and parents, with sessions scheduled from October 2023 to December 2024, focusing on the importance of proper education regarding the use of electronic devices. The training will include an operational checklist for parents and teachers, providing practical guidelines on how to manage the absence of devices in schools.

Data collected from recent research indicate that 60% of compulsory school students reported feeling distracted during lessons due to mobile phone use. With the expansion of the ban, an improvement in classroom concentration is expected, with a projected 30% reduction in conflicts among students related to mobile phone use, as highlighted by industry experts.

Comparing Ticino to other European regions, such as France and Spain, which have already implemented similar policies, the Canton aligns itself with a broader cultural shift regarding technology use in schools. These measures aim not only to limit mobile phone use but also to promote healthier social interactions among students, contributing to a more productive and harmonious school environment.

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Key points

For families and cross-border workers, it is essential to stay informed about the new regulations and prepare for potential changes in daily life. Starting January 1, 2024, Ticino will implement a ban on mobile phone use in compulsory schools, a measure aimed at improving the educational environment and reducing distractions. Families can start discussing with their children the importance of limiting mobile phone use, not only during school hours but also at home. It is a good opportunity to establish family rules that promote alternative activities, such as sports, reading, or other forms of entertainment. For example, parents in Lugano can organize a day of hiking in Ciani Park, encouraging children to explore nature and socialize without electronic devices.

Schools, for their part, will offer support and resources to help students navigate this change. Municipalities like Mendrisio and Bellinzona are preparing workshops for parents and students to explain the motivations behind this initiative and provide practical strategies. If you want to calculate your salary or explore other useful resources for cross-border life, visit our salary calculator.

Staying informed and prepared will help ensure a smooth and positive transition for all students. It is helpful to create an operational checklist for families, which includes:

• Discussing the importance of the ban and alternatives to technology.
• Setting specific times for device use at home.
• Engaging children in outdoor activities or creative hobbies.

This initiative represents a step towards a healthier and more productive school environment, where learning can thrive without the distractions of mobile devices. According to a survey conducted by Ticino educators, 78% of teachers believe that the phone ban could improve students' attention. In this way, Ticino aligns itself with best practices already adopted in other regions, such as Valais, where similar regulations have shown positive results in academic performance.