Portugal schools introduce new mobile phone rules as secondary pupils start later

The 2026/27 school year features a staggered start: most students return between September 11 and 15, while secondary students (Years 10–12) begin on September 21. Additionally, a ban on smartphone use during the school day is being extended to Years 7, 8 and 9; while legally mandatory from January 1, 2027, schools are expected to implement these restrictions starting this September.