Lawmakers in Yei Municipality have started deliberations on the 2014 child education bill, which will regulate the usage of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools.

Authorities say some schoolchildren use cell phones during school.

The municipal legislative speaker, Hassan Burhan Diko, told Eye Radio that this bill once it is passed into law, it will give school authorities the right to punish children who use mobile phones during learning hours.

“We are coming out with laws to give powers to the school authorities to see that any child found with a phone must be confiscated and the parent must be called to know exactly if he or she gave the child a phone,” Mr Diko said.

Authorities in Yei County have blamed the poor performance by pupils during the second term examinations on what they regarded as uncontrolled usage of mobile phones by school children.

Yei County Education Director Philip Taban welcomed the idea of the formulation of a bill to regulate the use of mobile phones amongst pupils during school hours, saying if approved, his department would ensure that it’s implemented.