Hyderabad: In an effort to maintain discipline and reduce distractions in classrooms, the Telangana School Education Department has taken a significant step by banning smartphone usage by teachers during school hours. Now, educators in government and local body schools are required to hand over their mobile phones to the head of the institution while on duty.
Facial Recognition for Attendance: The Only Exception
Teachers will still be able to use smartphones solely for taking student attendance via facial recognition apps, but this permission comes with a caveat: they must first get the green light from the headmaster or principal. This guideline is applicable in government schools, KGBVs (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas), and Telangana Model Schools.
Using the Internet for Educational Purposes: Permission Required
Headmasters, KGBV special officers, and principals of TG Model Schools can allow teachers to use the internet on smartphones in the classroom, but only when deemed necessary for teaching lessons or enhancing student learning.
Introducing the Policy After Noted Misuse
This policy comes in response to concerns over reports that teachers were often using their mobile devices for personal matters during class time. Officials observed that this was distracting students and undermining classroom discipline.
Enforcement of Policy Violations
The School Education Department has issued a stern warning: Any breaches of this directive will be taken seriously, prompting disciplinary action against those caught misusing mobile phones in the classroom.
