Mobile phone, junk food banned in Nepal schools

Updated on: Thursday, August 04, 2011

Nepal government banned use of mobile phones and also put restrictions on consumption of junk food in schools.

The Department of Education (DoE) has banned the use of cell phones in schools and also made it mandatory for parents to send only homemade launch for their children.

As per the new decision junk foods such as readymade noodles and snacks are not allowed into the school for health reason, according to officials.

DoE has reasoned that uncontrolled use of cell phones in schools has affected students' performance and consumption of junk food can adversely affect children's health.

The department took the decision two weeks ago, according to Director at DoE, Dilli Rimal.

"We first focus on convincing students and parents rather than imposing these decisions," he added.

While some institutions have already expressed their solidarity with DoE to implement the decisions, some schools have banned the use of mobile phones in schools and adopted tough measures for defiance, according to the official.

The government's directive is an outcome of a series of discussions held with school operators and parents who themselves complained about such practices, he said.

"The DoE move to ban cell phone on school premises was necessary to maintain order, especially in the secondary and higher secondary levels," said Bijay Sambahamphe, general secretary of Private and Boarding School Organisation of Nepal (PABSON).

Mobile phone, junk food banned in Nepal schools

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