Students Grade 10 and below cannot bring phones, students in 11, 12 to put phone in lockers

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that regulations on student mobile phone use in schools will be tightened, with restrictions extended to higher grades.

Under the revised rules, students below Grade 10 will continue to be prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school, while students in Grades 11 and 12 will be required to keep their phones in lockers during class time.

During last night's community meeting with Hulhumale' Phase 1 residents at Rehendhi School, President Muizzu said that there have been complaints from parents regarding phones being taken to school by students.

And so, the President said that the rule where students below Grade 10 not being able to take their phones to school will begin implementation.

"Students below Grade 10 are not allowed to use their phones at school. However, it has not been implemented. And so, the issue has been growing steadily," said the President with concern.

"The Education Ministry will strictly implement the rule where students below Grade 10 are not allowed to take their phones to school when the upcoming academic year begins."

The President stated that students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 can take their phones to school, as has been the case. But, the President said that their phones are not to be used during class time.

As per President Muizzu, the Education Ministry is working to acquire a locker system to be put into classrooms. He also said that phones should be kept in the lockers during class time, but they can use their phones during their free time.

President Muizzu announced the tightening of these rules as a video had recently circulated where a fight broke out between a student and a teacher at Addu High School earlier this month. Videos of "filthy" scenes that should not be seen by children of both genders were also publicized. 

Other issues regarding students taking their phones to school have also surfaced in the past.