Phones barred up to grade 10; grade 11–12 allowed, stored in lockers during class hours

Students below grade 10 will be prohibited from using mobile phones during school hours starting from the next academic year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

The President made the remarks while meeting with residents of Hulhumale' Phase I on Sunday evening. He said the decision is part of broader efforts to improve the learning environment in schools.

He said that when the new academic year begins on January 27, students below grade 10 will be prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school.

“Students in grades 11 and 12 can bring their phones, but the Ministry of Education will introduce a locker system that will be placed inside classrooms,” the President said.

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Students in those grades will be required to keep their phones locked in the classroom lockers during lessons.

“Those kids should be able to use their phones, there will be interval periods after class, there will be free periods, so considering their age, they should have that access,” President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said.

The President added that many student‑related moral issues are circulating on social media through photos and videos, and the decision aims to address those concerns.