Business
Malaysia lifts ban on mobiles in schools ---------------------------------------- Friday, January 13, 2006 (Kuala Lumpur):
Malaysian schoolchildren will be allowed to bring mobile phones to class, but their use will be restricted to make sure they don't get in the way of studies, the Education Ministry has said.
The ministry announced Thursday that the ban on cell phones in schools has been lifted, effective December 23, and guidelines on usage have been sent to schools throughout the country.
Education Director-General Ahamad Sipon said in a statement that the decision to remove the ban reflects the fact that more students own mobile phones now, and parents have the right to make use of the technology to keep track of their children.
"The ministry has no objection to the usage of hand phones in schools so that parents can monitor their children and ensure their safety," Ahamad was quoted as saying.
The new ruling will apply to state-run government schools. Private schools will be free to enforce their own rules.
Ahamad said that under the new guidelines students can use phones before and after school hours and during midmorning break, but must shut them off during lessons and other school activities.
School authorities can confiscate the phones if students do not comply with the guidelines.
But the Star newspaper said Friday that a random survey showed many people were against the idea, saying it would distract schoolchildren, disrupt lessons and could stir jealousy among students who don't have phones or result in hand phones being stolen or lost. (AP)