Ho Chi Minh City to restrict student phone use in over 500 schools from 2026

More than 500 secondary, high schools and vocational schools in Ho Chi Minh City will restrict student phone use during recess starting 2026, aiming to curb passive screen time without imposing a full ban.

The new plan, issued by the city’s Department of Education and Training on Dec. 30, encourages schools to replace phone use with alternative activities. Recess will be organized into movement-based games, sports, performances, and quieter options like reading, chess, drawing or relaxation.

Students who need phones for study or approved group activities may still use them, but only in designated areas and with teacher permission. Authorities emphasize discouraging isolated screen use such as solo gaming, endless scrolling or watching long videos alone.

Schools are advised to set clear rules on where and when phones are allowed, assign staff during break times and avoid seizing devices contrary to regulations.

A pilot program at 16 schools in October showed positive outcomes: passive phone use dropped sharply, over 80% of students joined at least one activity, and nearly 98% of surveyed parents supported the approach. Some challenges remain, including a small group of students still attached to gaming or social media, and limited facilities at certain schools.

Under national rules, phones can still be used for learning purposes during class if teachers allow it, and students are not banned from using them during breaks. However, phone policies continue generating debate as more provinces weigh restrictions. In August, Hanoi began collecting students’ phones at the start of the school day and returning them only after lessons end.

By Duong Tam – VnExpress.net – December 30, 2025