Registration and fines for parents: what are the risks of using a phone at school?

On 2 September, the new academic year began in all schools across Uzbekistan, and a traditional question arises — what should be done about children’s phones, are they prohibited or not?

The direct answer to the question is provided by the “Improved Rules of Etiquette for General Education Institutions” approved by the order of the Minister of Preschool and School Education. As a normative document at the national level, it is therefore obligatory for all schools in the country—both public and private.

Students must turn off or set their phones to silent mode, then submit them at the school entrance. To facilitate this, secure storage areas should be provided in the form of designated boxes in foyers or classrooms. Children may only use their phones after lessons are finished.

If a student continues to use their phone during lessons despite warnings, they will have their phone confiscated in the presence of the teacher, class teacher, deputy director, or school psychologist.

After this, parents will be notified that their child used the phone during the lesson. The situation should then be discussed by representatives of the school’s public and supervisory board. Only after this discussion will the phone be returned to the parents or other legal guardians of the child.

In cases of repeated violations — two or more times during the academic year — parents or legal guardians may be held legally responsible, and the student will be registered with the internal affairs bodies’ preventive list.

What concerns parents: Article 47 of the Administrative Code states that a fine ranging from one to five BCV or. 412,000 to 2.06 million soums can be imposed for failing to meet obligations to raise and educate children. If this violation occurs again within a year, a fine of up to 10 BCV or 4.12 millionplied.

It is strictly forbidden to take photos and videos on the school premises, and filming teachers and participants in the educational process without their consent is also prohibited.

Moreover, it is forbidden to publish any photos and videos taken at the school without the approval of the school’s administration online. In case of repeated violations, the school authorities have the right to take preventive and disciplinary actions against parents and the students involved.

Earlier, schoolchildren’s phones were once again checked in Tashkent. Semi-legal raids are carried out to “protect students from foreign ideas and negative influences”.

As a reminder, the governor of Tashkent region presented 300 million soums to a “telephone-free school”. Zoyir Mirzaev personally delivered the monetary reward to the school’s director.