A number of students residing in the dormitories of Herat University say that a recently imposed restriction prohibiting the use of smartphones has had a negative impact on their academic progress.
The students state that modern academic studies and research activities rely heavily on internet-based resources, digital libraries, and online materials. However, the restriction on mobile phone use has deprived them of access to these resources, particularly those who live in the university dormitories.
According to the students, although the university has a digital library, practical access to it has become difficult due to the smartphone ban. They further note that many of the books available in the university’s physical libraries are outdated, while there is a noticeable shortage of newly published academic works. As a result, the need for internet access to obtain up-to-date information and scholarly resources has become even more critical.
The students are calling on the relevant authorities to reconsider the decision and to develop solutions that both maintain discipline and order and ensure that the educational process is not adversely affected.
Meanwhile, some sources claim that members of certain institutions have resumed using smartphones, raising concerns about inconsistency and unequal enforcement of the restriction.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
