Singapore to Strengthen Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools

Singapore is set to tighten its ban on mobile phones and smartwatches in secondary schools starting in January, as announced by the Ministry of Education, aligning with a global movement against digital distractions.

Currently, secondary students are already prohibited from using mobile phones and smartwatches in class. This ban will now extend beyond classroom hours, including during recess and extracurricular activities.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Education said that these restrictions aim to reduce distractions in the classroom, limit screen time, and help students adopt "healthier" digital habits to improve their "well-being."

"It has been shown that students' screen time replaces important activities such as sleep, physical activity, and social interactions with friends and family, and is linked to a deterioration in overall well-being," the ministry stated.

This decision by the city-state is part of a global trend. According to a UNESCO report, 40% of educational systems worldwide had implemented a ban on mobile phones in schools by the end of 2024.

"In France, a 'digital break' has been proposed in middle schools in addition to the existing ban on phones in other education levels," UNESCO noted on its website.

In Zhengzhou, China, parents must provide evidence that their child requires a mobile phone in order to obtain an exemption from the ban, according to the same source.

Australia, on the other hand, will ban access to many social media platforms for individuals under the age of 16, starting December 10.