{"id":2733,"date":"2026-03-16T07:49:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honeykidsasia.com\/thailand\/?p=2733"},"modified":"2026-03-16T08:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T08:03:16","slug":"bangkok-schools-new-smartphone-rule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/honeykidsasia.com\/thailand\/bangkok-schools-new-smartphone-rule\/","title":{"rendered":"Bangkok schools introduce new rule to keep classrooms phone-free"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new smartphone rule will be effective for 437 Bangkok schools that are under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)\u2019s care and take effect from the next academic year, starting this May.<\/span><\/p>\n

So the BMA is encouraging students to take a break from their screens during school hours. A new initiative called \u201cPhone Off, Learning On\u201d asks students to leave their phones with teachers during the school day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you ask kids today what the most important thing in their life is, chances are they\u2019ll 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\u2019re useful, sure but in the classroom, they can also be a pretty big distraction.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photography: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Bangkok is introducing phone controls in schools<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Photography: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How the \u201cPhone Off, Learning On\u201d policy will work<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Photography: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So does this mean students in Bangkok government schools can\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using phones as learning tools<\/b>
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Phones and digital devices won\u2019t completely disappear from the classroom. Teachers can still allow them during lessons when they\u2019re useful for learning. The aim is to treat devices as learning tools rather than entertainment.<\/span><\/p>\n

More time to connect offline<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping students safe online<\/b><\/h3>\n

The policy also means schools can better monitor online activity during school hours, lowering the chances of cyberbullying or students coming across inappropriate content.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where do the phones go during the day?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

And you will still be able to contact your kids through official phone numbers or messaging channels in case of emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Was this policy tested in any Bangkok schools?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Photography: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before introducing the policy across the city, the BMA tested it in 10 schools that offer both primary and secondary education.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some other benefits from the trial included:<\/span><\/p>\n