On this opening morning, Keur Massar High School is immersed in the atmosphere of reopening classes. Parents, accompanied by their children, are roaming the corridors to re-register them. In the staff room, the excitement is also palpable, as evidenced by the discussions and laughter that are erupting.

Ministry circular delayed at Keur Massar high school

Asked about the ban on cell phones in schools, the principal of Keur Massar High School, Diène Ngom, stated that it had been in effect at the school for several years. "When the minister says that, we can already say that we are ahead of the curve with this measure. For more than four years, we have banned the use of phones in this school. We don't search, we don't say that the student isn't allowed to put their phone in their bag, but it is out of service," Mr. Ngom revealed.

For the principal, the use of the phone must be educational. "If it is to be in contact with parents, as soon as you leave the school, you have the right to open your phone, but in the schoolyard and in the classrooms, it is strictly forbidden," he added.

Coumba Ndoffène Diouf, a history and geography teacher at the school, shares the same view. He believes the government's measures are in line with those of their high school. "For five years, we've been following this dynamic initiated by our principal, and it has allowed the high school to improve its results and reposition itself in the school inspectorate and at the national level," he said.

He also urged the Ministry of Education to formally ban mobile phones in schools. "I suggest that the Ministry simply ban the use of mobile phones, because if they are allowed to use them, they could go beyond the educational framework and misuse them."

But "using a cell phone can be a teaching tool, as it can make it easier for students to access certain information. It can also save time and reinforce teaching and learning," emphasized Dolivera Diedhiou, a history and geography teacher.

However, according to Mr. Diedhiou, its use can have harmful effects, including cheating. "We have observed a fairly high rate of cheating during homework and even during exams. This phenomenon is more frequent with the use of artificial intelligence. All it takes is a simple photo of the homework and the exercise is processed."

He also asked the ministry for clarification on "educational use," because, he said, "this window is very vague."

Student reaction

"We've already adapted to the measure," said Habibatou Guèye, a senior at Keur Massar High School. "Since I've been at this school, cell phone use has been strictly prohibited. So, this measure doesn't cause us any problems," she added.

"I think it's a good idea. We'll be less distracted in class and we'll be able to follow the lessons better," adds this student from the resettlement zone high school (MTOA Keur Massar high school).

But Aissatou Ba, a senior in high school, isn't in favor of the measure. "I'm against it. The cell phone ban shouldn't be strict. Many students download PDFs of the works on the syllabus and the course booklets distributed by teachers. You learn from them from time to time," she says.

"I'm not against the idea," another girl asks, "but how are we going to contact our parents in case of an emergency?" she worries.

Parents' opinion

For the president of the parents' association of CEM Castors Sotrac, Souleymane Sèye, the way in which students use mobile phones (TikTok, Snapchat, etc.) should be banned, thus welcoming the circular from the Ministry of National Education.

"For two years, the use of mobile phones has been prohibited on school premises. The headmaster collects the phone taken from any student in class until the end of the year, because the student does not need a mobile phone during class hours or even in the schoolyard," he suggested.

"I think it's a great idea. On the one hand, it will allow children to disconnect from screens and focus on their studies," said Ms. Mbaye, mother of a 6th-grade student.

However, she worries about not being able to reach her child in an emergency. "How are we going to reach our children if an emergency arises?" she wonders.

The Ministry of Education's decision to ban cell phones in schools has sparked mixed reactions among students, parents, and teachers. While some believe it could help improve academic performance, others fear they won't be able to reach their parents or children in an emergency.