Afghan students divided over Taliban smartphone ban at universities

Afghan university students are grappling with a new directive from the Taliban government that prohibits the use of smartphones on campus, sparking debate about its impact on their education and daily lives. The ban, which followed a similar order for government workers, has been implemented in universities across the country, with notices posted warning of "legal action" for violations.

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

Students express mixed reactions to the ban. Some argue that it severely disrupts their ability to study effectively. They rely on smartphones for accessing online research, digital course materials, and even capturing images of lecture slides for later review. For many, the devices are essential tools for about half of their syllabus, and the absence of smartphones makes it difficult to "study properly."

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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.

Conversely, some students and university officials suggest the ban could improve concentration. Nazir Ahmad Qadari, a spokesman for Kandahar University, stated the move aims to ensure students "pay attention to their lectures, studies and practical work." This perspective aligns with a UNESCO report noting that 58% of countries ban mobile phones in schools due to distractions and well-being risks, though the report did not specifically mention university bans.

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We can't study properly without smartphones.

However, concerns persist regarding the broader implications of the ban. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed worries about government restrictions limiting "access to information, freedom of expression" and the ability to participate fully in daily life. Students also highlight the loss of access to time-saving artificial intelligence tools and the inconvenience of carrying numerous physical books instead of e-books. For freelance translators and others who rely on constant communication, the inability to check emails and messages can also mean missed work opportunities.

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pay attention to their lectures, studies and practical work