What You Need to Know
Minister of Education Dr. Mahend Gungapersad launched information sessions on the use of personal smart mobile devices in schools. The initiative aims to finalize regulations to ensure safe learning environments by limiting cyberbullying and misuse of devices. Consultations with stakeholders are ongoing, with regulations expected to be implemented soon.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Information Sessions on the Use of Personal Smart Mobile Devices in Schools were officially launched, this morning, by the Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, Côte d’Or Technopole.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, including the Senior Chief Executive (SCE), Mr Devendre Gopaul; the Chief Technical Officer, Mr Ricaud Auckbur; the Director of Health and Wellness, Dr Neeshti Reetoo; as well as other distinguished guests.
In his address, Minister Gungapersad recalled that he had previously announced the Ministry’s intention to introduce the Education (Control and Use of Personal Mobile Devices in School Premises) Regulations, noting that personal smart devices can, in some cases, hinder effective teaching and learning. He explained that the process has taken time, as several factors need to be carefully considered. However, he assured that the regulations are currently being finalised and will soon be submitted to the State Law Office and the Cabinet for final approval.
The Minister remarked that consultations have been carried out with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, students, teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as technical and legal officers, to inform the development of these Regulations. He highlighted that, subject to Cabinet approval, the Regulations are expected to come into force at the start of the second school semester.
These Regulations, emphasised Dr Gungapersad, will help to ensure that schools remain safe environments for students by limiting their exposure to cyberbullying and other harmful effects arising from the misuse of personal smart mobile devices. He thus called upon Heads of schools to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the effective implementation of the Regulations.
For his part, Mr Gopaul dwelt on the Education (Control and Use of Personal Mobile Devices in School Premises) Regulations, providing further details on the process involved in their development.
As for Mr Auckbur, he stressed the importance of these Regulations in ensuring that students remain safe at school and are able to acquire knowledge in the best possible conditions. He moreover urged rectors and deputy rectors to ensure that the Regulations are properly implemented in their respective institutions.
A presentation on the theme ‘Mobile Phone Restrictions: Health and Wellness Perspective’ was also delivered by Dr Reetoo.
The integration of technology in education has been a growing trend, with personal smart devices becoming commonplace in schools. However, concerns about their impact on learning and student safety have prompted governments worldwide to establish regulations. In Mauritius, the Ministry of Education is taking proactive steps to address these issues through consultations and the development of specific regulations aimed at creating a safer educational environment for students. The upcoming regulations reflect a broader global movement towards responsible technology use in educational settings.
