Back to school: Focus on the regulation of mobile devices

For primary school, Grades 1, 2, and 3 will be assessed on October 2, 6, 7, and 8; Grades 4 and 5 on October 13, 14, 15, and 16; and Grade 6 will take the PSAC on October 22, 23, 26, and 27. According to Vishal Baujeet, president of the Government Teachers' Union (GTU), it is essential to "encourage all teachers to guide students with confidence, determination, and a positive attitude, as every effort and every step forward counts towards their success . "

The new development: the entry into force of the Education (Control and Use of Personal Mobile Devices on School Premises) Regulations 2026 , which aim to limit distractions in classrooms across all primary and secondary schools. Education Minister Mahend Gungapersad stated on August 10th, at the 18th annual Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards , that 80 to 85% of schools already comply with these regulations. Mobile devices must remain silent and put away, except in cases of documented medical emergencies or with pedagogical permission from a teacher.

Vikash Ramdonee, president of the United Deputy Rectors and Rectors Union (UDRRU), points out that the union had called for a complete ban on cell phones. "Taking photos on cell phones and giving children homework after sitting down is not using technology efficiently."

He emphasizes that excessive use is detrimental to reading and writing and fosters cyberbullying. "We risk encouraging a culture of device addiction that could have harmful consequences for our future society ," he warns. For the UDRRU, the main problem remains the lack of contact time after today's start of term: in September, less than three weeks after the start of term, SC and HSC students will receive their timetables . The union has requested a postponement and is in discussions with Minister Gungapersad, who met with a Cambridge representative on this matter. "In my day, exams extended into December. We are asking that they at least finish around the end of November, which would give us six to seven extra weeks for Grades 1, 7, 8, 10, and 12," explains Vikash Ramdonee.

According to the provisional timetables of the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate for the October-November 2026 session, the SC exams will begin on September 18 and end on November 13; the HSC exams will begin on September 17 and also end on November 13. The wearing of smartwatches will be prohibited.