Singapore expands smartphone ban to non-lesson time in secondary schools to improve student focus, health and social interactions
SINGAPORE: The city-state will impose a stricter ban on smartphones and smartwatches in secondary schools starting in January.
The Ministry of Education announced the move as part of a global push to combat digital distractions among students.
Current guidelines already prohibit secondary school students from using their devices in the classroom.
The new rules will broaden this to include non-lesson time during school hours.
Students will be required to keep their phones in designated storage areas such as lockers or school bags.
The ministry said the goal is to create a school environment that prioritises students’ learning and enhances their engagement.
It aims to foster healthier habits on screen use and better well-being.
“Screen use among students has been shown to displace important activities such as sleep, physical activity and social interactions with friends and family,” the ministry stated on Sunday.
Schools may allow smartphone use by exception where necessary.
A growing number of countries are taking similar action against devices in schools.
According to UNESCO, 40% of education systems worldwide now ban smartphones in school.
The UN agency highlighted some particularly stringent school bans on its website.
It cited a requirement in China’s Zhengzhou that parents provide written consent that a phone was really needed for pedagogical reasons.
Next week, Australia will go a step further with a world-first ban on social media for under-16s. – AFP
