Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a policy restricting the use of mobile phones and electronic devices during lessons at 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The initiative, titled “Phone Off, Learning On”, will take effect from the next academic year beginning May 18. The measure aims to improve classroom learning, student wellbeing and cyber safety. Get today's headlines by email The announcement was made on Friday at Wat Sutharam Secondary School. Chadchart said children today are the first generation to grow up with digital technology playing a central role in daily life. As a result, the BMA believes it is necessary to establish guidelines for appropriate device use in schools. Under the new policy, mobile phones and electronic devices will generally be prohibited during lessons across all BMA schools. Teachers will still be allowed to authorise their use in classes where digital devices are necessary for learning. In emergency situations, parents will be able to contact schools via Line or designated telephone numbers. City officials said the regulation aims to address several concerns associated with excessive screen time among students. These include reduced social interaction with friends, declining interest in academic activities and increased time spent in online environments. Authorities also cited rising rates of obesity linked to reduced physical activity among young people. The programme is built around three core principles designed to standardise digital device policies across BMA schools. The first is purposeful learning, encouraging the use of technology only as a supervised educational tool rather than for entertainment. The second is wellbeing and social development, including the creation of “Digital-Free Zones” at certain times such as lunchtime or in shared spaces to promote conversation, exercise and rest from screens. The third principle focuses on cyber safety, with schools introducing monitoring systems to reduce cyberbullying and prevent access to inappropriate online content during school hours. City officials said the measures aim to support both healthy development and effective learning environments for students. The initiative reflects broader international concerns about mobile phone use in classrooms. A 2023 report by the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring programme found that technology supports learning only in specific contexts and when used appropriately, while excessive use can harm educational outcomes. The report also noted that smartphones frequently distract students from lessons, with research conducted across 14 countries showing interruptions can disrupt learning. Even having a phone nearby can reduce concentration, and studies suggest it can take up to 20 minutes for students to regain focus after being distracted. International experience has also influenced Bangkok’s approach. Research cited in the report found that removing smartphones from schools in countries including Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom improved academic outcomes, particularly among lower-performing students. The Nation reported that Bangkok authorities say the policy will be implemented across all 437 BMA schools from May 18, with schools expected to enforce the common standards at the start of the academic year. Officials said the programme aims to ensure technology supports education without undermining students’ health, behaviour or learning. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 15 Mar 2026
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