The Anambra State Government has implemented a new policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones by students within all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state. This measure aims to enhance academic focus and discipline among students by reducing distractions associated with mobile phone usage during school hours.
The decision, announced by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, follows a series of consultations with educational stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, and security agencies. The policy is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of education and create a conducive learning environment for students.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh outlined several reasons for the ban, including academic distractions, exposure to inappropriate content, and issues related to cyberbullying and peer pressure. She emphasized that unrestricted access to mobile phones during school hours has contributed to a decline in academic performance and has exposed students to harmful content and social pressures.
To ensure effective enforcement of the ban, the Ministry of Education has developed a comprehensive implementation plan that includes sensitization programs for students, parents, and teachers, monitoring mechanisms within schools, and collaboration with security agencies to prevent the smuggling of mobile phones into school premises.
The government has also encouraged parents to support this initiative by ensuring that their children leave their mobile phones at home before coming to school. Schools have been directed to provide alternative means for students to contact their families in case of emergencies.
While some parents and students have expressed concerns about the ban, citing the need for communication in emergencies, the government maintains that the policy is in the best interest of the students' academic and social development. The effectiveness of the ban will be reviewed periodically to assess its impact on student performance and behavior.