Strict new rules on mobiles in school

PUPILS have been warned they could face expulsion if caught using their mobile phones in school grounds.

Education Minister Akis Cleanthous has reached a final decision on the relevant bill, which will be submitted to Parliament for evaluation soon.

The bill strictly forbids the activation of mobile phones in the classroom or during school events; while at the same time those caught violating the specific regulations could face expulsion.

For example:

l If a pupil has his mobile phone on his desk he will be cautioned, even if it is switched off. The regulations provide that phones should be kept in pupils’ bags, unless it is during break time.
l If pupils are caught with their phone activated in the classroom they will be cautioned with a day’s suspension and if they are caught again, they will be suspended for a day.
l If caught using their phone during teaching hours, they will suspended for a day. If caught out for a third time, pupils face a two-day suspension.
l If a pupil is caught violating personal data – for example photographing, recording or videotaping another pupil or teacher – he will be sent to the disciplinary committee, which will impose a suspension of one day up to six days, while the teachers’ association will have the right to impose expulsions.

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