Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has unveiled a major update to its rules on digital device use in schools. Accordingly, beginning January 2026, all secondary school students will be required to keep their smartphones and smartwatches out of reach for the entire school day. When students arrive on campus, they must lock their gadgets in separate lockers or keep them in school bags. The new rules represent one of the country’s most extensive initiatives to reduce excessive screen use among young people. While schools currently limit phone use during teaching, this initiative extends beyond such restrictions, reflecting larger worries about the rising impact of screens on student well-being.
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The restriction will continue to apply during breaks, co-curricular activities, enrichment programs, remedial sessions, and any other school-related activities under the updated policy. The move is part of the national Grow Well SG campaign, which promotes better behaviors among children, including sleep patterns and physical exercise. Primary schools have already been following identical regulations since the program’s inception, and expanding them to secondary schools represents a united national strategy. However, reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Many teachers say the broader restriction could help restore attention and cut down on classroom disruptions. They believe that reducing digital distractions will help students engage more meaningfully in lessons and with one another.
Some parents agree, noting that children typically struggle to manage their own screen time. However, many families are anxious about losing immediate communication during an emergency or missing out on opportunities for digital learning. Students themselves are divided. Some said they welcome a break from daily notifications and believe the legislation would encourage more face-to-face interactions. Others, on the other hand, are concerned about losing touch with friends or missing out on important information that circulates online throughout the day. The MOE has promised families that exceptions would be made for urgent requirements, but they will require school permission.
Key restrictions under the new rule
- Phones must be stored in lockers or school bags during all school hours.
- The ban applies even during non-lesson periods, including recess, CCAs, supplementary, enrichment, and remedial sessions.
- Smartwatches will be treated the same as smartphones because they provide communication and app access.
- Exceptions may be granted only for necessary circumstances and must be approved by the school.
- Teachers retain discretion during lessons; devices may be used strictly for learning and only with explicit permission.
MOE says the decision is backed by findings from health and digital-behavior experts, who say heavy screen exposure often replaces key routines such as sleep, exercise, and in-person interaction. These habits, they stressed, have strong links to academic performance and emotional well-being. The ministry also noted that several secondary schools that had already tightened device rules on their own saw noticeable improvements in student focus and social engagement.
This shift mirrors what is happening overseas. UNESCO reports that nearly 40% of education systems globally now enforce some form of smartphone restriction. Countries including Australia, China, and parts of Europe have introduced similar bans in recent years. Alongside the new rule, MOE will also adjust the “sleep mode” timing on government-issued learning devices. Starting in January, these laptops will automatically lock at 10:30 pm, 30 minutes earlier than the current setting, and remain unavailable until 6:30 am. Officials say the aim is to encourage healthier bedtimes and reduce late-night screen use.
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Schools will continue to have room to shape their own discipline approaches within the broader policy. Most are required to prioritize help and therapy before instituting disciplinary actions. Teachers will work directly with parents to reduce device misuse and teach children healthy digital practices. Junior colleges and the Millennia Institute will not impose a full-day ban since older students are better equipped to regulate their devices. However, phone use will be limited during lessons. Detailed instructions for parents and students will be shared at the start of each school year.
The announcement comes as new research raises fresh worries about kids using smartphones very early. A recent study found that children who get their own phones before age 12 face higher risks of physical and mental health problems, including poor sleep, weight gain, and signs of depression. Researchers saw noticeably more mental health struggles among early phone owners compared to other children. Officials say the goal is simple: schools are places where young people can concentrate on learning, building friendships, and developing healthy habits without the constant distraction of a screen.
