.jpg)
Should schools regulate students’ use of mobile devices?
An independent school in Singapore is taking a firm stance on smartphone usage during school hours to create “a more conducive learning environment”.
In a letter to parents and guardians, Hwa Chong Institution’s principal wrote that students are not allowed to use mobile devices for gaming between 7am and 2pm.
The school also aims ”to promote a healthy cyber culture through responsible use of digital technologies”.
The school has also discussed the dangers of smartphone addiction with students.
Additionally, principal Pang Choon How said students are advised to refrain from using smartphones while walking, “as this would pose a risk to their own physical safety”.
He shared with the Straits Times that students between secondary one and four are allowed to bring their mobile devices to school.
"The school leaders have communicated the rationale and implementation of this new mobile device regulation to all our students,” he said.
“The school will continue to allow the use of mobile devices for the purpose of teaching and learning in class, which will be guided by our teachers."
According to a spokesperson from MOE, the ministry provides schools with guidelines into the formulation of school rules and overall management of discipline.
However, schools may establish their own rules “based on their context and needs”.