Starting from the 2nd Quarter: Phones Banned in Class, Except for Learning and Medical Emergencies
The first school term ended last Friday. Starting from the second term, the use of mobile phones and other connected devices will be prohibited in educational institutions, except for pedagogical and medical reasons. Below, we will explore the changes that come with this new measure.
The ban on mobile phones in class was anticipated and announced for the 2025 school year. It is based on the Education (Control and use of personal mobile devices in school premises) Regulations 2026 and was developed in collaboration with the Attorney General's office.
This week, school officials were informed of this measure at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Réduit. Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad expressed the desire to expedite the enforcement of the rules governing mobile phone use in schools. He emphasized the need for cooperation among parents, teachers, and school leaders to, as he stated, "save our children."
Thus, the regulations, prepared with the State Law Office and consultations that have been ongoing since last year, are now nearing completion. The next step is to obtain approval from the Cabinet.
Jacques Malié, the rector of Orchard Secondary School of Excellence, emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to inform educational partners about a draft of measures that should soon come into effect regarding the control and use of "mobile devices" within school premises, not just mobile phones. "It should be noted that this is not about prohibiting use, as mobile phones and laptops, among others, are sometimes necessary for teaching certain subjects, and some parents insist that mobiles help ensure their children's safety." He also mentioned that this was an opportunity for authorities to present a rather grim picture using statistics on the harms and complaints recorded (various cases of bullying, negative impacts on academic performance, and lack of concentration among students).
He believes that the proposed measures summarize existing regulations in some institutions. "These measures, which will now have legal value, aim to reassure school authorities and principals that they are permitted to enforce them and act more firmly."
Mohammad Akeel Bundhoo, president of the Union of Rectors and Deputy Rectors of State Secondary Schools (URDRSSS), supports the announced measures. "We have long highlighted the negative impact of mobile phones, tablets, or smartwatches on students' academic results, but it also affects social skills. Students isolate themselves, especially during short breaks and recess. They hardly talk to each other and spend their time scrolling on their phones."
He states that studies have shown a positive effect on academic results when mobile phones are not used at school. "Mobile phones are a significant source of distractions, lack of concentration, and also a source of cyberbullying. In class, students frequently check their phones upon hearing a notification sound. This leads to a loss of focus and unlearned lessons," the president clarified.
For his part, Arvind Bhojun, president of the Union of Private Secondary Education Employees (UPSEE), regrets some comments suggesting that teachers use their phones to communicate or browse social media instead of teaching. "This is not the case. Teachers have a professional ethics to uphold. Today, a phone is a smartphone, but it is also an educational tool. During the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone knows how we had to keep students connected to their studies."
He emphasizes that at that time, teachers had to reinvent themselves to continue teaching. They meticulously prepared their lessons to ensure each student could understand. After the pandemic, teachers retained this practice and still use their IT tools without any special support from the authorities. He notes that even the University of Cambridge uses IT tools to send syllabi and exam reports.
Vishal Baujeet, president of the Government Teachers' Union (GTU), laments the lack of consultations with primary education. "Primary unions were not consulted. We hope the Ministry of Education will organize a session so we can discuss the issue of mobile phones in primary education. This level presents specific realities that deserve a tailored approach. Imposing a strict rule could be perceived as a lack of trust in teachers. A more balanced approach would be preferable, allowing phone use in a professional context or in emergencies rather than imposing a total ban."
