Saturday, May 30, 2026

New guidelines on student mobile phone use

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Students from fourth through sixth form will be allowed to use mobile phones as learning tools, but only under teacher supervision and with principal approval.

These are part of the updated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Educational Transformation ahead of the 2025 to 2026 Michaelmas Term, which starts on Monday.

In a video message on social media, Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, said these changes apply to students in fourth, fifth, upper 5th, lower and upper sixth form.

“This is an important step in integrating technology responsibly into our schools,” she stated. 

For all other students, cell phones must be switched off completely – not on vibrate – and stored securely in bags during the school day.

Archer-Bradshaw reminded students of the Computer Misuse Act, which carries penalties for sending indecent, threatening, or menacing messages.

“Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day, if the principal deems it necessary. Please note that repeated breaches may lead to further disciplinary action,” she added. 

The guidelines aim to foster a safe, focused, and productive learning environment across all schools. (AM)

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