President promulgates smartphone ban up to 9th grade

The use of smartphones is now banned in schools up to the 9th grade, following the enactment of the new law. Schools have until the end of the first term to adapt, with full implementation set for January 1, 2027. Additionally, new rules for teacher recruitment in identified high-need regions (Grande Lisboa, Setúbal Peninsula, and Algarve) and simplified qualification requirements for hiring teachers without pedagogical training have been signed into law.