The Directorate of Elementary and Secondary Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took a decisive step on Monday by issuing a formal notification prohibiting the use of mobile phones within classrooms. The directive, aimed at enhancing academic focus, mandates district-level education officers to strictly enforce the ban among teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as students during school hours.
Concerns over the detrimental effects of mobile phone usage on students’ academic performance prompted this move. Specifically, the directive highlights the potential for phones to disrupt the learning process and divert students’ attention away from their studies.
To implement the ban effectively, educational institution heads have been instructed to collect mobile phones from staff members at the start of the school day, with return scheduled after school hours. In cases of emergencies, staff may utilize the institution head’s landline or telephone.
Furthermore, the notification emphasizes the prohibition of unauthorized photography or videography within school premises. Staff members are permitted to use mobile phones only during designated breaks or outside of class hours.
This initiative reflects the KP government’s growing concerns regarding the adverse impacts of excessive mobile phone usage on academic achievement and the overall well-being of students.
