Bulgaria bans school pupils from using mobile phones in class
Bulgaria’s Parliament has approved legislation banning school pupils from using mobile phones in class.
Apart from disciplinary issues, the measure comes against a background of allegations that pupils have used mobile phones to cheat in examinations. Earlier in 2015, there were claims that even when pupils were required to hand over their phones before starting to write exams, they had a second one, concealed, used for cheating.
Approving the second reading of clauses of education amendment legislation on September 23, Bulgarian MPs banned school pupils from taking part in games of chance, using alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, carrying weapons or other hazardous items at school.
The law requires every school to prepare a code of conduct to be posted online.
The amended law provides for rights and obligations of school pupils, conferring on them the right to give their opinions and suggestions regarding activities at school, including about elective and optional classes.
It enables pupils to participate in discussions in resolving issues concerning their school and the school community, including the curriculum.
Pupils will be required to carry their school ID cards with them, whether in or out of school, the new law says.
(Photo: Everson Silva/sxc.hu)