Reporting by: HAN News Desk
BELEDWEYNE – Schools in Beledweyne, the capital of Somalia’s Hiiraan region, have announced a complete ban on smartphones for students, citing growing concerns that these devices are negatively impacting learning, concentration, and overall academic performance.
School administrators say the decision comes after observing that smartphone use during school hours has led to distractions, reduced classroom engagement, and declining results in tests and assignments. Many students reportedly spend lessons browsing social media, playing games, or watching videos instead of paying attention to their teachers.
“We’ve noticed that smartphones make students lazy and reduce their ability to follow lessons, which threatens their future,” said a teacher at a private school in Beledweyne. “This ban is necessary to protect students’ focus and ensure they are prepared for their exams and future careers.”
The new rules are strict: students caught using smartphones during school hours may face disciplinary measures, including temporary confiscation of devices, warnings, or other school-level penalties. In some schools, only basic mobile phones will be allowed for emergency communication with parents, while all internet-enabled devices are prohibited.
Parents and local education officials have widely welcomed the move, describing it as an important step to instill discipline, improve learning outcomes, and safeguard students’ future prospects. One parent remarked, “Many children spend hours on their phones at school. This decision will help them focus and learn properly.”
Education authorities in Beledweyne emphasized that the ban is not intended as punishment, but rather as a measure to maximize classroom productivity, encourage active participation, and foster better academic habits. Schools will also provide guidance and awareness sessions to help students understand the risks of excessive smartphone use and the benefits of focused learning.
Analysts note that smartphone distractions are a growing challenge across Somalia, especially in urban areas, and initiatives like this may serve as a model for other schools nationwide seeking to maintain academic standards and protect students from the negative effects of digital overuse.
The ban in Beledweyne is expected to take effect immediately, with schools closely monitoring compliance in the coming weeks. Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve education quality and strengthen student performance throughout the region.
