MPs were slapped down for behaving like a “classroom of schoolchildren” by the Speaker of the House of Assembly yesterday.

Dennis Lister Jr issued a stern warning after images of MPs asleep in the chamber circulated on social media.

Mr Lister had “no issue with members that seem to have closed their eyes for a moment”.

He said: “I’ve been in this chamber almost 30 years and I don’t think there’s any member who has ever sat in here who hasn’t had a moment’s rest at some point.”

However, he added: “It’s photography that’s the issue. We are all supposed to be adults in here — I do not expect childish behaviour.”

The Speaker said the circulation of pictures online was “not of the proper decorum”.

And he warned he would use a “heavy hand” over the use of cameras and social media while the House was in session.

Mr Lister said: “Any Member tweeting in the House is out of order.” He added that MPs should not behave like “a classroom of schoolchildren”.

Mr Lister also warned MPs caught violating their privileges with the use of laptops would have them confiscated.

Christopher Famous, a Progressive Labour Party backbencher, who was among those snapped dozing off, apologised to the House for “getting caught napping”.

Mr Famous said: “More importantly, I would like to say to the people of Bermuda ‘don’t think we are up here napping’.”