Pinarayi Vijayan bans students from using cellphones; no social media for teachers during work hours

The Kerala government issued an order that bans the use of mobile phones inside schools in the state. The order directs that teachers should not use social media during work hours. 

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government on Tuesday (November 5) decided to ban the use of mobile phones in schools. As a first, the Pinarayi Vijayan government has also issued an order banning teachers from using social media when they are in school. 

The general education department issued a circular in this regard stating this new decision was taken after there were concerns raised on social media addiction in teachers and mobile phone usage by students.  

The order said teachers should not use social media sites such as Facebook and WhatsApp while they are in classrooms.

Though there has been a standing order banning the use of mobile phones in schools, officials have been reportedly lethargic in its implementation. It's in the backdrop of this that a new order has been issued, the circular said. 

Meanwhile, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an order banning the sale of junk food in school canteens and premises. The ban will come into force from December 1. The order was issued as per the Food Safety and Standard Regulations 2019 which intends to curb unhealthy eating habits among school students.