The start of the school year in the Sédhiou region, as in Senegal as a whole, was marked by mobilization and the implementation of new educational measures. Among these, the strict ban on the use of mobile phones in schools is attracting attention and generating mostly positive reactions. In the run-up to the start of the school year, a regional development committee (CRD), chaired by Governor Diadia Dia, called on all stakeholders to strictly comply with government measures to ensure a school full of hope. The ban on the use of mobile phones in schools is among the key decisions.

Coumbamang Danso, president of the Regional Union of Parents' Associations (URAP), considers the measure beneficial. "It's a public safety measure for Senegalese schools. We have seen a significant decline in student achievement due to the constant distraction and non-pedagogical use of smartphones. Classrooms had become internet cafes. Now, the challenge is strict enforcement and raising awareness among parents," he says. He pledges to continue raising awareness among parents so they take ownership of this measure.

The censor of studies at Balla Moussa Daffé High School sees this decision as a step towards restoring discipline and improving academic results. According to him, it reduces instances of cheating and allows students to focus on their notebooks rather than social media. However, he specifies that precautionary measures will be taken for students from surrounding villages so that they can stay in touch with their drivers or parents. "This will involve asking them to turn off their cell phones or hand them over to the supervisor during study hours," he explains. Adja Fatouma Faty, a literature, history, and geography teacher, believes that cell phones have no use at school. "If it's for research, students have enough time at home. As a teacher, I never ask students to work on their cell phones in class," she says.

Among the students, opinions are divided. While some support the strict enforcement of the measure, others, preferring to remain anonymous, find it frustrating and cite safety concerns. "If something happens to us along the way, how can we contact our parents?" asks Amadou Sonko, a 4th-grade student.

Despite this discordant note, the overwhelming majority of stakeholders consider the ban on cell phones in schools as a positive step towards the quality of learning.