Punjab govt imposes ban on use of mobile phones in schools

LAHORE: The education department has imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones by children in government and private schools.

The School Education Department, Punjab, has issued instructions to the heads of all education authorities.

The letter said that the ban on the use of mobile phones in schools should be implemented immediately, and students should be encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities.

The heads of educational institutions were asked to ensure the participation of students in personality development activities.

This letter has been issued in light of the resolution passed in the Punjab Assembly.

Earlier, the Punjab government officially announced winter vacations for all educational institutions across the province.

The notification issued by the provincial education department states that the winter vacations will begin from December 23, 2025, and will continue till January 11, 2026. All schools will reopen on January 13, 2026, with the start of the new academic session.

The education department has made it clear that this schedule will apply equally to both government and private educational institutions; no school will be allowed to change the schedule on its own.

It should be noted that this decision has been taken in view of the severity of the cold and the health of the students so that children can be protected from diseases and return for the next academic session with better preparation during the holidays.

Earlier, the Punjab government had changed the working hours of schools due to the increasing intensity of smog. The notification stated that no educational institution would be able to open before 8:45 am.