President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that school students will not be allowed to use mobile phones during school hours from the next academic year.

The announcement was made while the President was speaking to residents of Hulhumalé Phase I on Sunday night.

Addressing the Government’s reform agenda, President Dr Muizzu said many parents have repeatedly called for stronger measures to regulate students bringing mobile phones to school.

He noted that although existing rules already prohibit students in Grade 10 and below from carrying mobile phones, enforcement has been weak. As a result, the Government has decided to strictly enforce the ban from the next academic year. Under the revised policy, students in Grade 10 and below will not be permitted to bring mobile phones to school or use them during school hours.

The President also outlined separate arrangements for A-level students. He said A-level students will be allowed to bring mobile phones to school, but the devices will be stored in designated lockers during school hours.