The idea of a complete ban on the use of smartphones in Kazakhstani schools has sparked protests among the parents of students. As part of the discussion on the new initiative, it is proposed not only to prohibit the use of phones during lessons but also during breaks. Moreover, fines may be imposed on parents for violating these rules, as reported by Ulysmedia.kz, citing KTK.
Laura Baizakova, the mother of a seventh grader, shared that she recently bought her son a new phone due to the demands of the educational process. Teachers actively use QR codes, online assignments, and educational videos, and the diary is now also maintained in electronic format. Parents are also concerned about the issue of communication with their children in case of emergencies. However, schools express concerns that the use of gadgets negatively affects students' concentration and academic performance. The director of Lyceum No. 28 named after M. Mametova, Aysulu Medetbekova, noted that students increasingly resort to calculators and artificial intelligence instead of completing assignments independently, which leads to deteriorating vision and headaches.
Although the use of phones during lessons is already prohibited, the rules for their storage are determined individually by each educational institution. Deputies propose to introduce uniform rules for all schools. The first violation will be punished with a warning, and for a repeated violation, a fine exceeding 20,000 tenge will be imposed. The Ministry of Education emphasized that such restrictions are aimed at protecting children's health, reducing distractions, and preventing online bullying. The draft law is currently under consideration.
