A teacher smashes pupil phones with a hammer, DURANGO, MEXICO, PUPIL’S at a high school have had their mobile phones smashed and set on fire by their teachers. A high school in Durango, Mexico, has become embroiled in controversy after a group of teachers destroyed and burned items that had been confiscated from their students, including their mobile phones. The incident, which occurred at Professor Jose Santos Valdez Nueva State High School, in Valle Verde, was allegedly an act of "discipline" against students who violated the school's rules. “The director of the institution confirmed she had had a prior agreement with the parents of the pupils regarding the prohibition of mobile phones in the school,” stated reports. “Mobile devices were taken away from students who did not comply with the instruction to not bring them into school. “The events occurred in the civic courtyard of the José Santos Valdez State Secondary School, where teachers gathered all the confiscated items including mobile phones, and then set them on fire. “Some witnesses reported that the event was recorded and shared on digital platforms, which quickly attracted the attention of media outlets and social media users. “The state’s Secretary of Education, upon learning of the incident, expressed her disapproval, calling the acts “regrettable” and stating that they are not representative of current educational policies. “Investigations are underway into the incident to determine whether there were any violations of students' rights. “The Ministry of Education for the state has reiterated its commitment to protecting these rights and establishing a safe and respectful educational environment.” ENDS