Kazakhstan mulls full smartphone ban for school students

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is considering imposing a comprehensive ban on smartphone use by school students under proposed amendments to legislation on teacher status and education, Tengri Education reported.

Currently, individual school administrations determine when students may use smartphones. A nationwide legal ban introduced in early 2024 prohibits phone use during lessons, though students are allowed to use their devices during breaks. Teachers may also permit smartphone use in class if required for educational purposes.

The draft amendments would remove that flexibility and transfer authority over regulating smartphone use to the authorized education body, likely the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan or regional education departments.

The bill has not yet been adopted and is expected to be considered by the Majilis of Kazakhstan, the lower house of parliament.

Deputies have proposed revising Article 47 on the rights and responsibilities of students to state: “The use of cellular subscriber devices by students and pupils during the educational process in secondary education institutions is not permitted, except in cases stipulated in the rules for the use of cellular subscriber devices in secondary education institutions by students and pupils, approved by the authorized body in the field of education.”

According to the explanatory note, extending the ban to cover not only lessons but also school breaks is intended to reduce the risk of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful online content, strengthen discipline and safety, promote face-to-face communication and socialization, and support a healthier educational environment.

Lawmakers previously enacted a legislative ban on smartphone use during classes in early 2024. Under current rules, devices must remain unused during lessons but may be accessed once classes end for break periods.