TN govt bans use of mobiles in schools

Chennai, Oct 16 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government today banned the use of cellphones by students in all schools across the state.

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu said here the ban was in the wake of complaints the state government had received that use of mobiles in school premises diverted the attention of the students.

After Karnataka, Tamil Nadu became the second state to ban cellphones in schools.

The SMS factor also seems to have weighed heavily on the government's decision as an increasing number of students were sending text messages instead of concentrating on their studies.

Mr Thennarasu said the ban would help the students to concentrate in studies and shine as oustanding students.

The School Education Secretary was directed to give necessary instruction in this regard to students and their parents, he added.

Last month, the Karnataka government had banned the use of cellphones in schools by students below 16 years and issued the necessary orders early this month. The ban was widely welcomed in the state as a move to ensure that the students do not stray from their studies.

UNI