Taliban Bans Smartphones in Balkh Schools, Targeting Teachers and Staff

DID Press: Sources in northern Afghanistan’s Balkh Province report that the Taliban has imposed a new ban on the use of smartphones in schools, prohibiting teachers and education staff from carrying mobile phones inside educational institutions.

According to local sources, staff in the education sector were warned that possession of smartphones in school environments will be treated as a disciplinary violation and may result in administrative penalties, including dismissal.

An audio recording circulating among education workers reportedly contains instructions attributed to a provincial education official, stating that the restriction will take effect immediately and will be strictly enforced.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Education has not yet issued an official statement confirming or clarifying the directive.

If formally implemented, the measure would add to a series of restrictions previously imposed on Afghanistan’s education system, including limitations on communication tools, curriculum content, and institutional activities in schools and universities.