Students strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school

Deputy Minister of Education U Nay Myo Hlaing said that students are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school. In response to a question from U Zaw Win Thant, National Assembly representative for constituency No. 4 in Yangon Region, on the first day of the third regular session of the third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held on September 22, regarding whether orders and instructions have been strictly issued and prohibited the use of mobile phones during school hours in basic education schools to protect students and youth from the dangers of mobile phone use, and whether clear instructions have been laid down on how to take action against those who do not comply with the issued prohibitions, and whether measures have been taken to enact online laws for children and protect them, Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing responded as follows. Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing said that if a basic education student violates the established school regulations, the mobile phone will be confiscated by the respective headmaster or class teacher for the first offense; for the second offense, the mobile phone will be confiscated, and the student's parents or guardians will be summoned to the school to sign a letter of commitment; and for the final offense, after consulting with the Parent-Teacher Association, the student will be temporarily suspended from school according to the decision of the School Discipline Maintenance Committee, in addition to confiscating the mobile phone for the entire year. Deputy Minister U Nay Myo Hlaing also stated that although there are no legal provisions in Myanmar's existing laws that prohibit or restrict the use of mobile phones by students and children, legal protection and action can be taken against threats and exploitation of students and children through online platforms.