ASTANA, September 29. /Dunyo IA/. Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan has approved new rules governing students’ use of mobile phones during lessons, which will take effect on October 9, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing “Kazinform” news agency.

Under the new rules, students must switch their phones to silent mode or turn them off before a lesson. Phones may only be used during class to complete an assignment at the teacher’s direction, in cases of a threat to life or health, or for medical reasons.

When a phone is required for educational purposes, the teacher must determine the assignment, procedure and duration of its use in advance. Photo, audio and video recording is also permitted only at the teacher’s direction and in compliance with legislation on personal data and privacy.

Schools may establish designated storage areas for students’ phones and must also set procedures for transmitting urgent information between parents and students during the educational process.

The new requirements apply to secondary education institutions regardless of their ownership structure or administrative affiliation.