New regulations regarding the use of mobile and electronic devices in preschool preparation groups and general education institutions have been officially approved in Azerbaijan.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Collegium of the Ministry of Science and Education has adopted a formal decision to implement these restrictions.
The new rules apply to all students within general education institutions. The definition of "mobile and electronic devices" encompasses smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, portable gaming consoles, and similar portable electronic equipment used for communication, internet access, data processing, or multimedia functions.
Under the new guidelines, students are prohibited from using these devices during lessons. Any devices brought to school must be kept in designated storage areas—such as lockers or mobile storage boxes—in a powered-off or silent mode until the class concludes.
Exceptions are permitted only for educational purposes, such as accessing digital learning materials or conducting research, and strictly under the supervision and authorization of the teacher. Additionally, students may use devices on school premises in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or health-related incidents.
The Ministry has tasked school administrations with enforcing these rules through internal disciplinary procedures. If a violation occurs, school management is required to notify parents or legal guardians within one business day. Preventive measures, including individual counseling, parent-teacher meetings, and the involvement of students in extracurricular activities, will be implemented to address non-compliance.
This policy reflects a growing global trend among educational authorities to minimize digital distractions in the classroom. By restricting personal device usage, the Ministry of Science and Education aims to foster a more focused learning environment and improve student engagement during the academic day.
