The State Duma has passed a new law prohibiting students from using mobile phones during lessons. The law, approved in its third reading on Wednesday, applies to students in primary general, basic general, and secondary general education programs. However, exceptions will be made for emergency situations that could threaten the life or health of students or staff at educational institutions.
The chairman of the State Duma Committee on Enlightenment, Olga Kazakova, stated that if students require gadgets for studying, they should be provided by the school and not brought in by the students themselves. In addition to the mobile phone ban, an amendment has been added to the law regarding the introduction of a mandatory labor lesson in technology for primary and secondary schools.
State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin expressed support for the ban on mobile phones in classrooms. He claimed that this measure had long been demanded by parents and teachers and would improve discipline. Volodin also emphasized that the law would strengthen the authority of teachers and encourage live communication among students. He further highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on mobile phones and improving social communication skills among children.
The law, numbered 470837-8, is expected to come into effect on September 1, 2024, following approval from the Federation Council and the President’s signature.