In classrooms across Russia, the presence of personal devices has long influenced teaching dynamics. An educational specialist who earned recognition as Teacher of the Year in 2022, a history instructor at Secondary School No. 16 in Orekhovo-Zuevo, comments on a recently signed regulation limiting the use of smartphones and tablets during lessons. The central message is clear: mobile devices are not part of the guided learning process when instructional time is underway, and schools are now backed by a legal framework to enforce this stance.
The educator notes that the trend toward restricting phones began years earlier, even before a formal legal mandate existed. Over time, schools developed informal practices to curb gadget use, but there was no binding rule to rely on. With the new law in place, teachers have a definite authority to guide classroom behavior and address disruptions caused by devices.
Some institutions have adopted practical methods to minimize device use, such as storing students’ smartphones in secure lockers or boxes. In other schools, instructors rely on clear verbal reminders that devices should stay out of sight and off desks, with the expectation that students will focus on the lesson at hand.
In December, legislators in the State Duma approved a bill aimed at banning schoolchildren from using mobile phones during class time, even when phones could be a potential study aid. The measure also signaled a return to compulsory, structured study sessions within schools. After passing through the Federation Council, the regulation received presidential assent and became law.
The regulatory change reflects a broader shift toward ensuring an environment where attention and participation are prioritized during teaching hours. The effect on daily routines varies by school, but the overarching goal is to create a learning atmosphere that minimizes interruptions and enhances engagement with instructional materials.
As schools adapt to these requirements, educators emphasize that the law provides a consistent framework for discipline and classroom management. Students are reminded that the educational setting is first and foremost a place for learning, discussion, and collaboration, where devices should not intrude on the flow of instruction.
Overall, the transition marks a standardized approach to how mobile technology is handled in schools. While opinions differ on the best methods to balance digital readiness with focused learning, the new rules offer a clear path for teachers to maintain order and for students to participate more fully in the learning process.