Afghan students divided as universities ban smartphones

Afghan university students are grappling with a new Taliban directive that prohibits smartphone use on campus, a move sparking division over its impact on academic life. The ban, which followed a similar order for government workers, has been enforced with notices and warnings of legal action for violations.

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from now onwards, we are not allowed to bring smartphones to the university

Students report that the restriction impedes their ability to access online research, course materials, and even capture lecture notes from whiteboards. "We can't study properly without smartphones," lamented a 22-year-old journalism student. Many relied on their devices for about half of their syllabus, using them to photograph slides and review content later.

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pay attention to their lectures, studies and practical work

University officials, like Nazir Ahmad Qadari, spokesman for Kandahar University, stated the ban aims to ensure students "pay attention to their lectures, studies and practical work." However, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed concerns. Fiona Frazer, UNAMA's human rights director, noted that while managing technology use might have "sound reasons," government restrictions can limit "access to information, freedom of expression" and full participation in daily life.

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If the explanation was not good, we used our phones to take photos and videos of the slides or the writing on the board, so we could review them later

The ban also affects students' ability to pursue freelance work and access time-saving tools like AI. With laptops not universally affordable, many students feel disadvantaged, caught between academic demands and the need to stay connected for professional opportunities.

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We can't study properly without smartphones