The Yerevan municipality has launched an initiative to restrict the use of mobile phones and other digital devices in schools. The matter was discussed during an operational meeting. According to Mayor Tigran Avinyan, most parents support and welcome the initiative.
Under the proposal, students in grades 1–6 will be prohibited from keeping phones on during classes, events, and even breaks. If necessary, a student may bring a phone to school but must hand it over to the homeroom teacher at the start of the day and collect it after classes. For grades 7–12, a regime of limited use will apply. The restrictions cover not only phones but also tablets, smartwatches, and other digital devices.
Head of the municipality’s general education department Margarit Khachatryan said the program will initially be tested in 15 schools. Within two days, the program will be sent out, and by the end of the year, students’ physical, social, and psychological indicators, as well as academic performance, will be evaluated.
“Students may initially complain about these restrictions, but I am confident they will have a positive impact on the quality of education, daily life, and even children’s happiness,” Avinyan stated.
