Schools Face Mobile Ban and Major Reform as 2nd Term Begins

Pupils returning to classrooms this Monday, 20 April, face a transformative second term as the government prepares to enforce a nationwide ban on mobile phones and unveils a “blueprint” for sweeping secondary education reform.

The return to school marks the beginning of a legislative shift aimed at removing personal devices from all public, private, and aided institutions.

Under the proposed Education (Control and use of personal mobile devices in school premises) Regulations 2026, pupils will be prohibited from using phones during lessons and breaks.

Tackling Classroom Distractions

The crackdown, developed in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, follows years of complaints from educators regarding cyberbullying, the filming of staff without consent, and “excessive” social media use.

Authorities aim to restore discipline and eliminate distractions like cheating and the sharing of violent content.

While the ban is strict, exemptions will be granted for:

• Pedagogical use: Specific classroom activities or online research directed by teachers.
• Medical reasons: Documented health requirements.
• Family emergencies: Urgent communication needs.

Sanctions for non-compliance will be progressive, ranging from initial confiscation and parental notification to temporary suspension for repeat offenders.

A Landmark Reform for 2027

Parallel to the phone ban, the Ministry of Education is set to present a definitive blueprint to the Cabinet regarding secondary school admissions.

This document will decide the fate of the “Academy” system, which is scheduled to be replaced by National Colleges by January 2027.

The government is currently weighing two primary scenarios based on national consultations.

The first involves a selection process starting at Grade 7 based on PSAC results, effectively ending the National Certificate of Education (NCE) at Grade 9.

The second option maintains the status quo, delaying selection for National Colleges until Grade 10 based on NCE performance.

Mixed Reception

The new measures have sparked significant debate across the sector. While many teachers welcome the ban as a tool to restore order, some parents argue that mobile phones remain a vital safety link to their children.

Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad previously highlighted these complexities during workshops in Réduit, noting that while the move follows international trends seen in the UK and France, the practical application in Mauritian schools will be closely monitored as the regulations move through the State Law Office and final Gazette publication.

Source: Le Mauricien