Senegal’s Ministry of National Education has announced a nationwide ban on the use of mobile phones in both public and private schools, effective from Sunday, 21 September 2025.
The ministry said the measure is aimed at improving student concentration, maintaining discipline, and fostering personal development. It applies to all levels of education and will be enforced across the country’s learning institutions.
Officials stressed that the decision follows growing concern over the impact of mobile phones on academic performance and classroom behavior. Authorities argue that constant access to phones has distracted students, reduced attention spans, and undermined discipline within schools.
The ban is expected to extend beyond classrooms to cover school grounds more broadly, although the ministry has not yet specified enforcement mechanisms or potential penalties for non-compliance.
Education experts and parents have long debated the role of technology in learning environments. While some argue that digital devices can support modern education, others maintain that unrestricted use has become an obstacle to effective teaching and student development.
Senegal joins a number of countries that have introduced similar restrictions in recent years, as governments grapple with the challenges of balancing technology use with educational outcomes.
The Ministry of National Education said it would continue to monitor the effects of the policy and work with teachers, parents, and school administrations to ensure its effective implementation.
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