Yerevan Municipality Proposes Restricting the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools
YEREVAN, September 29. /ARKA/. Yerevan City Hall has suggested limiting the use of mobile phones, tablets, and other "smart" devices in educational institutions. This matter was addressed during a working meeting at the mayor's office on Monday.
"The majority of parents have reacted positively to our initiative... Children should not be sidetracked from their studies by mobile phones; we must prevent the adverse effects of mobile phones," remarked Mayor Tigran Avinyan.
The mayor anticipates that students may initially feel discontent with this decision. "Nevertheless, these restrictions will positively influence the quality of education, their daily experiences, and even their overall happiness," he asserted.
Margarit Khachatryan, Head of the General Education Department at Yerevan City Hall, clarified that currently, each school selectively prohibits students from using phones to avoid disruptions during lessons, but this method requires standardization.
"It is suggested that students in grades 1-6 be prohibited from using powered-on phones during lessons, breaks, and events. In exceptional circumstances, phones may be left with the classroom teacher and retrieved after school," Khachatryan stated.
She indicated that restrictions are also proposed for students in grades 7-12, which will extend not only to phones but also to tablets, smartwatches, and other devices.
"Stringent restrictions will be enforced in all schools, solely for educational purposes, adhering to all legal standards, according to guidelines, and under the supervision of teachers," Khachatryan mentioned.
She highlighted that monitoring is planned in 15 schools by the year's end, after which they will assess students' physical, social, and psychological metrics, engagement, and academic performance.
"Conversations with principals have been sporadic; we are preparing to issue definitive instructions and distribute the entire program to schools in the upcoming days," Khachatryan concluded.-0-