Education: The Use of Smartphones in Schools to Be Regulated by New Rules Soon

Information sessions on the use of personal smart mobile devices in schools were officially launched on Monday, March 30, 2026, by the Minister of Education and Human Resources, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, Côte d’Or Technopole.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, including the Director General (DG), Devendre Gopaul; the Principal Technical Officer, Ricaud Auckbur; the Director of Health and Well-being, Dr. Neeshti Reetoo; along with other distinguished guests.

In his speech, the Minister of Education recalled that he had previously announced the Ministry's intention to introduce the Education Regulation (Control and Use of Personal Mobile Devices in Schools). He noted that personal smart devices can, in some cases, hinder effective teaching and learning. He explained that the process has taken time due to the need to carefully consider various factors. However, he assured that the regulations are currently being finalized and will soon be submitted to the State Legislation Office and the Cabinet for final approval.

Dr. Mahend Gungapersad mentioned that consultations have been conducted with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, students, teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as technical and legal officers, to inform the development of these regulations. He emphasized that, pending Cabinet approval, the regulations are expected to come into effect at the beginning of the second school semester.

The Minister stressed that these regulations will help ensure that schools remain safe environments for students by limiting their exposure to cyberbullying and other harmful effects resulting from the misuse of personal smart mobile devices. He thus called on school leaders to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the effective implementation of the regulations.