Iran permits mobile phone use in classrooms under teacher supervision

Mousa-Reza Kafash, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Education in Iran, has clarified that mobile phone use in classrooms is not entirely banned but is subject to strict regulations. Use is permitted only for specific educational activities that align with the curriculum, provided they are approved by the teacher and conducted within a limited timeframe.

Decisions regarding whether students may bring mobile phones to school, how they are stored, and the specific times and locations for their use rest with the school council. This council includes the principal, deputies, parents' association representatives, and student council members. The regulations emphasize that this does not grant students unlimited freedom to use devices, but rather treats technology and artificial intelligence as tools to enhance the quality of education while controlling potential negative effects.

Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras in public school areas is permitted, provided the privacy of staff and students is respected. In schools facing disciplinary issues, temporary camera installation in classrooms may also be possible with school council approval.