The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has announced a new smartphone rule for schools to help your kids focus better.
The new smartphone rule will be effective for 437 Bangkok schools that are under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s care and take effect from the next academic year, starting this May.
So the BMA is encouraging students to take a break from their screens during school hours. A new initiative called “Phone Off, Learning On” asks students to leave their phones with teachers during the school day.
The announcement was made by Bangkok governor, Chadchart Sittipunt on 13 March. He explained that the policy aims to help students build healthier habits when it comes to using digital technology.
If you ask kids today what the most important thing in their life is, chances are they’ll say their phone. From chatting with friends and scrolling on TikTok to gaming and asking AI just about anything, smartphones are pretty much part of everyday life. They’re useful, sure but in the classroom, they can also be a pretty big distraction.
Why Bangkok is introducing phone controls in schools
According to city officials, excessive phone use in schools can lead to several issues, including reduced attention in class, less social interaction with peers and increased time spent in the virtual world rather than engaging in physical activities.
Research cited by education authorities also suggests that even having a smartphone nearby can distract students. Notifications alone can disrupt concentration and it may take up to 20 minutes for students to refocus on their work after being interrupted.
The city also referenced findings from the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, which states that technology can support learning when used appropriately but excessive use may negatively affect academic performance.
Sweeten up your inbox! Subscribe to HoneyKids Asia Thailand
How the “Phone Off, Learning On” policy will work
So does this mean students in Bangkok government schools can’t bring their phones to school? The answer is no. The programme actually focuses on three main ideas that help them balance learning, screen time and social life.
Using phones as learning tools
Phones and digital devices won’t completely disappear from the classroom. Teachers can still allow them during lessons when they’re useful for learning. The aim is to treat devices as learning tools rather than entertainment.
More time to connect offline
Schools will introduce some digital-free times or spaces, such as during lunch breaks or in shared areas. This encourages students to chat with friends, move around, play, and give their eyes a break from screens.
Keeping students safe online
The policy also means schools can better monitor online activity during school hours, lowering the chances of cyberbullying or students coming across inappropriate content.
Where do the phones go during the day?
Under the new policy, students may be asked to place their phones in secure storage boxes at the beginning of the school day. They will be allowed to access their devices only when necessary, for example, during specific learning activities or essential communication.
And you will still be able to contact your kids through official phone numbers or messaging channels in case of emergencies.
Was this policy tested in any Bangkok schools?
Before introducing the policy across the city, the BMA tested it in 10 schools that offer both primary and secondary education.
The early results have been quite positive. Parents reported feeling happier with the change, and teachers noticed that students were paying more attention during lessons.
Some other benefits from the trial included:
- Students staying more focused in class
- Better concentration and improved school performance
- Parents spending less time supervising homework
- Students taking more responsibility for looking after their phones
Instead of looking at their screens, teachers also noticed that many students spent more time chatting with friends, visiting the library or joining different activities around the school.
Is this a good move for Bangkok schools?
As someone who grew up in a time when I had to use a phone booth to call my parents and later experienced the digital age, this is a good move for schools in Bangkok.
Of course, phones are a big part of our lives. I can’t deny that. However, every time a notification appears, our attention shifts almost instantly. Whether we are studying, watching a movie or doing something else, it often takes time to regain focus. I can imagine the effect is even stronger for kids.
Many children today struggle with concentration because they spend so much time on their phones. Some parents even rely on phones just to keep their children quiet. Over time, this can affect attention span and communication skills.
Policies like this might sound forceful, but they give students the opportunity to focus on learning, interact with their peers and take part in more physical activities. In that sense, the initiative is not only about limiting phone use, but about restoring balance in the school environment.
Right now, the policy only applies to schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, but it could be the first step toward a wider change. If it works well, other schools across Thailand, including private ones, may consider similar rules.
What are your thoughts about the tightened phone policy?
The city plans to refine the policy based on these responses before officially implementing it in the next school term, starting this May.
The new rule will only apply to Bangkok public schools under the administration of the BMA. This means that if your child’s school is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, the rule will not apply.
But what do you think? Should this rule be universal for all schools in Thailand? Share your thoughts with us on our Instagram and Facebook.
