Mobile phone ban in Azerbaijani schools: Improving attention at what cost?
Mobile phone ban in Azerbaijani schools
New rules approved by Azerbaijan’s Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev on the use of mobile phones and electronic devices in preschool groups and general education schools have come into force.
Under the rules, students may not use mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops or other portable electronic devices during lessons.
Students must switch off their devices or put them on silent mode during classes. Schools will keep them in designated storage areas, including boxes, lockers or shelves, until lessons end.
Teachers may allow exceptions for educational purposes or in emergency situations.
The move reflects a broader global trend that many countries, including the UK most recently, have already adopted. It has also sparked public debate. Some see it as a necessary step to improve the quality of education, while others have raised concerns about potential risks.
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The potential benefits
Education expert Kamran Asadov argues that mobile phones distract students during lessons, reduce academic performance, affect mental wellbeing and undermine classroom discipline.
“The ban will help students concentrate better in class without distractions from social media, games or constant notifications. It could also encourage face-to-face communication and strengthen social skills, while reducing cyberbullying and the spread of harmful content in the classroom.
Some schools that introduced similar restrictions earlier have already reported better attendance.
Most parents want their children to be free from ‘phone addiction’ during lessons.”
Concerns and potential risks
Experts say the decision is not without controversy. Education professor Firudin Jalilov explains why some parents are concerned:
“A mobile phone is the only means of communication between parents and their children. If a student becomes unwell during a lesson, they should be able to inform their parents. That line of communication should not be cut off.”
He also argues that schools should not focus solely on banning the recording of negative incidents on video, but should address the underlying causes of such incidents.
Sociologist Ahmed Hashamoglu believes a ban alone will not solve existing problems.
“If schools create a proper learning environment, students will take their studies more seriously. We should approach this issue not as a restriction on students’ rights, but as a way to improve the quality of education.”
The practical implementation of the new rules has also raised questions. Concerns include how schools will organise storage areas, ensure the safety of devices, prevent loss or theft, avoid placing additional burdens on teachers and apply consistent standards.
Some international studies suggest that phone bans do not always lead to significant improvements in academic performance. In some cases, students may become more anxious or less disciplined.
Experts also point to other challenges in the digital age, including:
- limiting the development of digital skills,
- making it harder for children with chronic illnesses to use medical apps,
- creating a sense of “constant surveillance” through overly strict supervision, and
- reducing trust between students, parents and schools.
Mobile phone ban in Azerbaijani schools
