With the onset of new school year now at the door, several are arriving new that will change the lives of students a school: cell phones banned from schools, the central role of the 2025 behavior grade, changes to the 2026 final exam, and updates to the 2026 school curriculum.
Cell phone ban in schools: the ban extends to high school classes as well.
One of the most anticipated novelties concerns the prohibition of use of the mobile phones during school hours, also extended to high school from a circular signed by the minister Joseph VallettaraThe measure standardizes the regulations already in force in elementary and middle schools and does not concern devices essential for teaching activities. The following are foreseen: exceptions Only for students with an IEP or PDP, such as those with disabilities or specific learning difficulties, and for those attending technology programs. Computers, tablets, and digital whiteboards are still permitted.
The goal is clear: to increase concentration and academic performance and protect the health and well-being of adolescents. Scientific data confirms the need for intervention: according to the OECD, by 2024, excessive use of technology will negatively impact academic performance, while the ISS reports problematic smartphone use among 25% of Italian adolescents.
To apply the rule, students they will have to turn off or hand over their cell phones upon entry, following the rules established by individual institutions. Some schools also prohibit SmartWatch or have introduced increasing penalties for violations.
Conduct grade: behavior determines promotion
From 2025/2026, the vote in conduct undergoes a real revolution: from a simple disciplinary tool it becomes an educational and formative element.
The main new features are:
- Assessment annual: Behavior will be evaluated throughout the year, no longer by semester. Grades will also revert to averages, expressed out of ten.
- Admission to the following yearOnly those who receive a grade higher than 6/10 will be promoted. Those who receive a 5 will have to repeat the year, while those who receive a 6 will be "sent back to September" and will have to take a test on citizenship values to be admitted. admitted.
- Educational approach to sanctionsIn the event of a short suspension, the student will participate in in-depth study sessions; if the suspension exceeds two days, the student will carry out citizenship activities at partner organizations.
For students in their final year of high school, the active citizenship essay will be an integral part of the interview. Maturity, and the vbehavioral pattern will affect credit school. The maximum score is possible only with a behavior grade of 9.
2026 Maturity Exam: Updates on the Oral Exam
The State exam 2026 is enriched with important innovations. The the interview oral will become multidisciplinary, with the aim of assessing the student's overall level of maturity. The first written Italian exam remains unchanged, while the second exam, specific to each major, may be subject to change.
The exam will begin on Thursday, June 18, 2026, marking a change from the Wednesday tradition. Who rwill refuse to take the interview, as happened this year in some cases of protest, will fail.
More news
A r is expected from 2026/2027complete program overview of primary and lower secondary schools, with updates on content and teaching methods.
Furthermore, in new social housing projects, there will be reserved affordable accommodation for teachers e school staff non-residents who move for professional reasons, to facilitate mobility and combat high rents.
Finally, Parliament has strengthened protections for teachers and administrators: Law No. 25 of 2024 increases penalties for those who attack school staff, with mandatory arrest for those caught in the act and specific aggravating circumstances when the aggressor is a parent or guardian. Amendments to the Criminal Code recognize school staff as a protected category, ensuring greater safety in the classroom and on school grounds.
