New device management apps to replace Mobile Guardian, ensuring safer and more effective device use in schools.
Starting from November 2024, students using school-issued Chromebooks will receive a new device management application (DMA), while those with iPads will have it installed by January 2025. The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that Chromebooks will use the Lightspeed Systems app, and iPads will transition to Jamf.
These applications help parents monitor and manage their children’s device usage, offering controls over screen time and access to websites and apps. The new DMAs meet stringent security standards and are designed to support mobile device management, usage monitoring, and classroom management.
This change follows the discontinuation of Mobile Guardian, which was used for device management until August 2024. Mobile Guardian’s termination came after several security breaches in 2024, including data leaks and cybersecurity incidents that affected thousands of students. Lightspeed Systems will be automatically installed on Chromebooks by the end of November, while Jamf will require a guided onboarding process for iPads, starting in January 2025.
The MOE is offering training for schools to ensure smooth deployment and has provided support for parents and educators during this transition. The ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding students’ cyber wellness and giving parents more control over their children’s device use.
