A handful of students at a Shenzhen school have protested against the school's decision to install mobile phone signal blockers, arguing they infringe their human rights.

The students at Shenzhen College of International Education said they found the signal blockers installed inside their dormitories after they returned from the seven-day National Day holiday, Tuesday's Southern Metropolis Daily reported. “We were told that the equipment will be used between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. so that we won't be able to use mobile phones during this time," said a student surnamed Wang.

Wang presented a message sent by the school to students' parents which read: "To prevent students from chatting by sending text messages after lights are put out and ensure the students will have a good rest, the school authority has decided to use 'mobile phone signal blockers' in dormitory buildings after 11 p.m. every day following the National Day holiday."

Some students are worried the move will cause them trouble while others are afraid that their health could be threatened by radiation from the equipment.

A teacher at the school surnamed Zheng said they decided to install the signal blockers to ensure the students get a good sleep to have enough energy to study. “We used to receive complaints from some parents about students sending text messages or making telephone calls late at night," said Zheng, adding that they had already communicated with students' parents before issuing the notice.

Zhang Jianxin, a lawyer, said it is not illegal for the school to install the signal blockers as all school authorities can exercise the power to manage and educate their students within their schools. "Just like the school regulation which requires lights be put out at 11 p.m., the banning of mobile phones is also reasonable," he said.(Eunice Kang)