Full ban on smartphones to be introduced for school students in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to introduce a full ban on the use of smartphones by school students. The relevant amendment is included in a draft law on the status of teachers and education.

Currently, each school administration can independently determine in which cases students are allowed to use smartphones. The legislative ban applies only during lessons; during breaks, students are allowed to use their smartphones. In addition, if a phone is needed for educational purposes, it may be used with the teacher’s permission.

According to the comparative table attached to the draft law, this provision is proposed to be removed, and the authority to decide whether students may use gadgets will be transferred to the authorized body in the field of education. Most likely, this will be the Ministry of Education or territorial education departments.

Members of Parliament propose the following wording of Article 47 on the rights and responsibilities of students:

“The use by students and pupils of subscriber cellular communication devices during the educational process in secondary education organizations shall not be permitted, except in cases when in the rules governing the use of subscriber cellular communication devices in secondary education organizations by students and pupils, approved by the authorized body in the field of education.”

The explanatory note states that extending the ban on the use of cellular communication devices not only during lessons but also during breaks will help reduce the risks of cyberbullying and destructive content, strengthen discipline and safety in schools, increase the level of face-to-face communication and socialization among students, and ensure the formation of a healthy educational environment.

It should be recalled that a legislative ban on the use of smartphones by students during classes was introduced at the beginning of 2024. During lessons, the restriction is in force, and students are prohibited from using smartphones. However, during breaks students currently regain access to their gadgets.