Bishkek (TDI): Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education and Science has unveiled a draft decree to limit cell phone usage in the country’s educational institutions, aiming to foster a more focused and conducive learning environment.
The proposal is currently open for public feedback.
Under the proposed regulations, students and staff will be required to switch their phones to silent mode upon entering school or university premises.
Students will be encouraged to turn off their devices and store them in designated areas.
Usage would be allowed only during breaks or in emergencies, while charging phones on campus would also be prohibited.
The draft outlines strict measures against misuse, including bans on distributing content depicting violence, cruelty, or pornography.
It also prohibits actions that could tarnish an institution’s reputation, such as unauthorized photography or videography.
Also Read: EU Set to Lift Kyrgyzstan Airlines Ban
For educators, the proposed rules bar phone usage during lessons unless directly tied to teaching.
The ministry emphasized the initiative’s aim to protect students’ health, curb bullying, and limit exposure to harmful content.
Mobile Ban in Other Countries
Kyrgyzstan’s move aligns with similar measures adopted by other nations in the region.
Russia, for instance, prohibits student phone usage during lessons except in emergencies.
Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have enacted comparable restrictions to enhance focus and educational outcomes.
Globally, several countries have introduced phone bans in schools.
Also Read: Kyrgyzstan Eyes Expanded Agricultural Exports to EU
France implemented a ban in 2018 for students aged 3 to 15, citing the need to reduce distractions and improve discipline.
In 2024, the Netherlands followed suit, highlighting benefits such as better academic performance and reduced student anxiety.
UNESCO has also advocated for smartphone restrictions in schools.
In a July 2023 report, it recommended global bans to improve academic performance and limit classroom disruptions.
Advocates argue that such measures help enhance student concentration, improve education quality, and safeguard children’s mental health.
