Mobile phone use during school lessons has been banned in Azerbaijan

Rules for the use of mobile and electronic devices in preschool preparation groups and general education institutions have been approved.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Trend, the relevant decision was signed by Azerbaijan's Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev.

According to the decision, mobile and electronic devices refer to mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, portable gaming consoles, and other similar portable electronic devices used for voice and video communication, internet access, processing, storing and transmitting information, gaming, as well as performing multimedia functions.

The terms used in these Rules express the meanings defined by the normative legal acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Students are prohibited from using mobile and electronic devices during lessons (classes).

Mobile and electronic devices brought by students to the educational institution must be stored in a switched-off state or on silent mode in storage locations (mobile boxes, lockers, etc.) designated by the institution's administration until the end of lessons (classes).

Students will be able to use mobile and electronic devices during lessons (classes) only with the teacher's permission and under their supervision as an auxiliary tool for educational purposes (access to electronic learning materials, use of educational applications, presentations, and research projects).

On the premises of the educational institution, students will be able to use mobile and electronic devices for exchanging information only in cases of necessity (natural disasters and other emergency situations, health problems, etc.).

Oversight of compliance with these rules at the educational institution will be determined by the internal regulations of the educational institution.

In the event that violations of these rules are identified, the institution's administration will inform the student's parents (or other legal representatives) within one working day and implement preventive measures (conducting an individual preventive conversation with the student, inviting the parent to the school for a joint discussion of the situation with the participation of teachers, etc.).

The administration of the educational institution will regularly organize educational events for students, teachers, and parents (or other legal representatives) on issues of digital solutions, information security, observance of precautionary measures when using electronic games, as well as ensuring cybersecurity.