The use of cell phones by students at government schools in Samoa has been banned, along with other electronic devices such as I-Pods and I-Pads.
The new measure has been enforced since the beginning of the school year.
The education ministry's chief executive officer, Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi, says this will stop students communicating with other peers at school hours and help them to concentrate on their studies.
Matafeo says the ban should also stop students accessing pornography and using other means of communication on the internet.
The devices can be used in the computer laboratories for research and other school activities but Matafeo says only specific internet sites have been approved for the students to use.
Many parents support the new measure, saying the ban has been long overdue.
