ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province have officially enforced a ban on smartphones in all schools and madrassas, targeting students, teachers, and staff, citing reasons of academic focus and adherence to Islamic principles.
The directive, issued by the provincial Education Department, is aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom and upholding values aligned with Sharia law.
According to the department’s statement, smartphones contribute to what they termed the “destruction of the future generation” and disrupt educational discipline.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from students and educators alike.
Some believe the policy could enhance academic concentration, while others argue it hampers access to learning tools.
Mixed Reactions from Students and Teachers
Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, expressed support for the measure, stating that the absence of smartphones could help restore focus on studies.
Similarly, students like Mohammad Anwar noted that schools have started enforcing the rule strictly, even warning of possible searches.
However, not everyone agrees.
A 12th-grade student shared concerns about losing access to visual aids, like photos of blackboard notes, which had been crucial for revising lessons after school.
He feared the ban could make studying more difficult, particularly in a country already facing educational barriers, especially for girls.
Smartphone Restrictions Extend Beyond Schools
The ban also extends to religious schools or madrassas.
Mohammad, a 19-year-old student, confirmed that smartphones have completely disappeared from these institutions as well.
He remarked, “Now there’s a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore.”
The restriction follows a broader Taliban crackdown on modern technology and digital media.
Last week, the group’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, urged officials and scholars to reduce smartphone usage.
Some Taliban members have since switched to using simple “brick phones” and have begun avoiding internet-based communication apps altogether.
This move reflects a growing trend in several countries, including France and Denmark, where classroom smartphone use has been restricted to curb distractions.
However, in Afghanistan, the ban is rooted in religious and ideological motives, raising questions about access to digital learning in a restrictive environment.
