Senegal’s Ministry of National Education has announced a complete ban on the use of mobile phones in public and private schools, effective from the start of the upcoming academic year.
The policy, already included in school regulations, will now be strictly enforced nationwide, with harmonized sanctions to ensure fairness.
The measure, confirmed by the Minister of National Education, applies to all primary, secondary, and high schools. Authorities say it aims to protect student concentration, preserve educational values, and limit distractions in the classroom.
“Uncontrolled use of telephones harms concentration, distracts students from learning, and exposes them to practices deemed contrary to educational values,” the ministry stated.
While mobile phones will no longer be permitted, digital tools specifically designed for lessons, such as tablets and computers, will remain authorized under teacher supervision. Schools will have discretion over how devices are collected or stored upon entry, and management boards and parent associations will participate in determining proportionate disciplinary measures.
The policy follows a series of incidents during the previous academic year in which mobile phones were used to commit exam fraud. Cases were reported during practice tests, the Brevet de Fin d’Études Moyennes (BFEM), and the Baccalauréat (BAC), undermining the credibility of national assessments.
Officials say the strengthened ban is intended to prevent similar issues in the future and maintain trust in the education system.
Strictly regulated exceptions are permitted for students with disabilities requiring a medical device linked to communication, as well as for educational activities where teachers authorize limited use of phones for practical lessons, including digital technology and artificial intelligence exercises.
The ministry has called on the entire educational community to ensure the effective implementation of the measure from the first day of school, scheduled in just two weeks. The announcement reflects Senegal’s commitment to balancing disciplinary rigor with educational innovation while safeguarding the integrity of its national examinations.
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