Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Kazakhstan has approved new rules governing students’ use of mobile phones during lessons. The changes will take effect on 9 October, Kazinform reports.
Under the new requirements, students must put their phones on silent mode or switch them off completely before the start of a lesson.
Devices may be used during classes only in several cases: to complete an educational task assigned by a teacher, when there is a threat to life or health, or for medical reasons.
If a smartphone is used directly for educational purposes, the teacher must determine the assignment, the procedure for completing it and the amount of time students may use the device in advance.
Separate requirements apply to taking photographs, making audio recordings and recording video. Such activities are permitted only at a teacher’s instruction and in compliance with legislation on personal data and privacy protection.
Educational institutions will also be allowed to provide designated places for storing students’ mobile phones.
Schools must establish procedures for transmitting urgent information between parents and children during the educational process.
This will allow parents and students to maintain prompt communication when necessary while restrictions on phone use during lessons are in effect.
The new rules will apply to all secondary education institutions regardless of their ownership structure or institutional affiliation.
