Barcelona Bans Smartphones in Schools Starting September 8

Barcelona schools will begin the 2025/26 year on September 8 with a complete ban on smartphones and smartwatches for students up to age 16 in primary and secondary education. The policy applies across the public network and marks a clear shift in classroom rules for the coming term.

Device Restrictions Take Hold

The ban covers all compulsory education stages and removes any exceptions for classroom or school grounds use. Officials have aligned the measure with similar steps already taken in other Catalan schools, focusing on reducing distractions during the school day. The change arrives alongside ongoing work to improve equity in results for students facing additional challenges.

Enrollment Numbers and Support Needs

Classroom enrollment is set to fall by 8,493 students, reaching a total of 1,326,352 compared with the prior year. At the same time, the number of students requiring specific educational support is projected to increase by 8,964. These shifts reflect broader demographic patterns while the system adjusts resources for those with greater needs.

Infrastructure Work and Past Progress

During the current summer break, 83 infrastructure projects are underway across Barcelona schools, covering renovations and playground upgrades as part of a €62.3 million package. Earlier efforts include the opening of five new all-through schools in the 2024-2025 year, with four enlarged sites in Nou Barris and one merged institution in Sant Andreu. The Education Opportunities Report 2024 recorded school segregation in pre-school and primary dropping from 0.49 to 0.39, alongside a 6 percent average improvement in outcomes for students in vulnerable situations.

Schools will open on September 8 under the updated rules and with the infrastructure work completed. Families can find practical details on enrolment and support services through the city education portal and district offices ahead of the term.