Ho Chi Minh City to ban students from using phones at recess from 2026
Ho Chi Minh City plans to roll out restrictions on mobile phone and electronic device use during break times at schools, starting from the 2025–2026 academic year.
The initiative will be piloted at 16 schools before expanded across the city from January 2026, heard a conference held by the municipal Department of Education and Training on Sept. 18.
To ensure the policy’s effectiveness, schools will adopt multiple measures, including communications campaigns to raise students’ awareness about the risks of overusing electronic devices, and organization of alternative activities like sport events, cultural performances, folk games, reading sessions, and life skill clubs.
Director of the department Nguyen Van Hieu said amidst technology boom, uncontrolled use of mobile phones can lead to negative consequences like data leaks, cyberbullying, and online abduction.
The sector is working to guide students towards rational use without affecting their studies or essential communication, he said, adding that break times should be an opportunity for students to engage with friends and teachers to build a safe and friendly environment.
HCMC is now home to over 3,500 schools with some 2.5 million students. Under existing rules, students are allowed to use mobile phones in class for learning purposes with teachers’ permission, and they are not prohibited from using them during recess.
Vietnam News Agency – September 18, 2025
Articles similaires / Related posts:
- Providers of pre-activated SIM cards face suspension The Ministry of Information and Communications has announced that it will suspend network providers found distributing pre-activated SIM cards or cards registered under incorrect personal info....
- Vietnam universities scramble to offer courses in semiconductor technology, design More than 10 universities across Vietnam have introduced courses in integrated circuit design and technology to meet the increasing demand for skills in those fields....
- Many schools in northern Vietnam close due to bitter cold weather Many kindergartens and elementary schools in some northern localities, including Hanoi, Lang Son and Bac Giang, allowed students to stay home as temperatures fell below 10 degrees Celsius on Tuesday....
- Saigon Star international school closes, refuses to play ball on fee refund Many people whose children were studying in Saigon Star International School in HCMC’s Thu Duc City were shocked to learn it has shut down after its premises were seized....
- Vietnam approves free public education from preschool to high school Vietnam has officially scrapped tuition fees for public schooling from preschool through to the end of high school, following the National Assembly’s approval of a sweeping new policy on 26 June....