The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have imposed a complete ban on the use of smartphones by students, teachers, and administrative staff in schools and religious seminaries across Kandahar province. The ban, which came into effect immediately, has been enforced to maintain educational discipline and uphold Islamic values.
According to a notification issued by Kandahar's Department of Education, smartphones were deemed a source of distraction for the youth and a factor in their moral and religious decline. The department stated that prohibiting smartphones is not only a disciplinary move but also religiously justified.
Students and teachers in the province have confirmed the enforcement of the decision. Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP, “I didn’t bring my smartphone to school today. I believe this is a positive step that will help students stay focused on their studies.”
Mohammad Anwar, a student in Grade 11, shared that teachers had issued strict warnings and announced that random checks would be conducted. “If someone is found carrying a phone, it will be confiscated,” he said.
However, some students expressed concerns over the new rule. A Grade 12 student, speaking anonymously, said, “I used to take pictures of lessons to make notes later. That won’t be possible now. This will affect our learning.”
The ban extends to religious seminaries as well. Nineteen-year-old madrasa student Mohammad said, “Now no one carries a smartphone anymore.”
Interestingly, several countries around the world, including France, Denmark, and Brazil, have implemented similar bans on mobile phones in classrooms in recent years.
The decision also aligns with recent guidance from Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, who advised officials and clerics to reduce smartphone usage. In Kandahar, many Taliban members have started using basic phones and have abandoned messaging apps.
A 28-year-old security officer explained, “This is a directive from our leaders. I now use a simple phone and have stopped using WhatsApp and similar apps.”
This move comes at a time when secondary and university education for girls remains banned in Afghanistan, a policy widely condemned by the United Nations and international rights groups as gender discrimination. Analysts warn that the smartphone ban could further restrict access to education in the country.
