The National Department of Education (NDoE) is preparing to launch a Mobile Phone Policy enforcing zero tolerance on mobile phone use in elementary and primary schools nationwide.

The policy was outlined amongst other matters to improve education in Primary and Secondary school at the Momase and New Guinea Islands (NGI) Censorship Ambassador Schools Program (CASP) held at Sogeri, Central province.

Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, NGI Assistant Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division of NDoE, Allen Jim, confirmed the policy is currently in its final stages before official release.

“In assistance with the Policy and Planning Division, we have developed the Mobile Phone Policy. It has already gone through the process and is soon to be launched to schools,” he said.

The policy is aimed at addressing the growing influence of mobile phone use among students and the rise of negative online activities affecting school-age children.

Under the proposed guidelines, elementary and primary schools will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on mobile phone use.

For secondary schools, including Grades 7 to 12 and vocational institutions, mobile phones will be permitted only for approved educational and research purposes, under strict school control.

“From Grade 7 to Grade 12 and vocational levels, students may use phones for research purposes, but schools must control usage according to the Mobile Phone Policy,” Mr. Jim said.

The policy also places emphasis on parental responsibility, particularly after school hours, when students spend significant time on mobile devices.

“School hours are from 7:45am to 3:00pm. After that, responsibility shifts back to parents to support the Department in guiding proper mobile phone use,” he said.

The CASP initiative is a joint program between the National Department of Education and the Office of Censorship aimed at strengthening awareness and enforcement of education policies in schools.

It also trains guidance officers and school inspectors to support implementation across the country.

CASP has already conducted training sessions in Mount Hagen for the Highlands Region and in Central Province for the Southern Region, led by Assistant Secretary for Highlands and Southern Region Otto Wrangian Guidance and Counselling Division.