Taliban authorities in Kandahar province have implemented a comprehensive ban on smartphones in schools and religious madrassas, citing educational discipline and adherence to Islamic law. The directive, issued by the provincial Education Department, applies to all students, teachers, and administrative staff. Officials assert the policy prevents the "destruction of the future generation" from a "Sharia perspective" and aims to minimize classroom distractions.
The ban took immediate effect, with schools conducting searches to ensure compliance. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th-grade student, confirmed teachers now inspect students for devices. In madrassas, the prohibition is absolute: "No one brings smartphones anymore," stated Mohammad, a 19-year-old religious student. Even educators like 22-year-old teacher Saeed Ahmad have complied, calling the decision "good" for academic focus.
While some support the policy, others highlight contradictions in the Taliban’s educational agenda. An anonymous 12th-grade student lamented the loss of practical tools like photographing lesson notes—especially significant in a country where girls are barred from secondary education under UN-condemned "gender apartheid." He argued the ban "will negatively affect our studies" amid already severe restrictions.
The move aligns with escalating Taliban restrictions on technology and media. Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada recently urged officials to reduce smartphone use, prompting some security personnel to switch to basic "brick phones." Kandahar officials have also disabled messaging apps and shared only traditional phone numbers, reinforcing a rejection of online communication.
The Taliban joins nations like France, Denmark, and Brazil in restricting phones in classrooms. However, Afghanistan’s policy uniquely intertwines with religious mandates, including bans on depicting living beings—a stance that has led some officials to refuse being photographed or filmed.