KABUL: Afghan university students have reacted differently to a new smartphone ban on campuses.
The restriction prevents students from bringing smartphones to university grounds. Some students say the policy has harmed their studies.
Others believe the rule has improved their concentration. They say fewer phone distractions help them focus during lectures.
The policy followed an order issued to government workers in June. Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had directed officials to stop using smartphones.
The restriction was later extended to universities. Students in several cities confirmed that the rule is now being enforced.
Smartphones Restricted on Campuses
A 29-year-old student in Kabul said university staff announced the new restriction in classrooms.
Students were told they could no longer bring smartphones to campus. Similar notices appeared at a university and dormitory in Herat.
The notices warned that students could face legal action if they were caught carrying smartphones.
Authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the policy. Some students also requested anonymity because of security concerns.
At Kandahar University, spokesman Nazir Ahmad Qadari said the policy aims to improve students’ attention.
He said students should focus on lectures, studies, and practical work.
Students Raise Concerns Over Study Materials
Some students say the smartphone ban has made academic work more difficult.
A 21-year-old student in Herat said smartphones had supported much of his coursework. Students used their phones to photograph slides and classroom notes.
They could then review the material later. Students also used smartphones to access online research and educational resources.
A journalism student in Mazar-i-Sharif said studying without smartphones had become difficult.
The restriction has also affected access to artificial intelligence tools. Some students previously used such tools to save time.
E-books have also become harder to access on campus. Students now need to carry physical books instead.
Laptops are still allowed, but many students cannot afford them. This creates another challenge for students who relied on smartphones.
Concerns Over Work and Communication
The policy has also affected students who work alongside their studies.
A Kabul student who works as a freelance translator said he needs regular access to messages.
He said missing client messages could lead to lost work opportunities. Students can store smartphones at some university entrances for a small fee.
However, some students say even this option creates additional difficulties.
Some Students Welcome the Ban
Not every student opposes the smartphone ban.
A medical student in Kandahar said the policy improved classroom concentration. He also said teachers and students now interact more effectively.
Another student reported better academic performance after the restriction. His score increased from 75 to 80 percent.
He said classmates previously spent significant time on social media. Without smartphones, they focused more on their studies.
However, some students remain concerned about emergencies. They worry about being unable to contact family members quickly.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has acknowledged possible reasons for managing technology use. However, it also raised concerns about restrictions affecting information access and expression.
In other news read more about 350 Afghans Jailed Over Music and Beard-Trimming Under Taliban Rules
The debate over the smartphone ban continues among Afghan university students. Some see it as a tool for better focus, while others view it as a barrier to modern education.
