From 2026, secondary school students in Singapore will be prohibited from using their smartphones or smartwatches during school hours, including periods outside of lessons. The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced these updated rules on Sunday (Nov 30), as part of efforts to help students build healthier screen habits.
Extended Restrictions Beyond Lesson Time
Currently, students are not allowed to use smartphones and smartwatches during lesson time. MOE stated that from January 2026, this restriction will apply to recess, co-curricular activities (CCA), and supplementary, enrichment, or remedial lessons. According to the ministry, students must keep their devices in storage areas or inside their school bags during school hours. The press release also added, “Where necessary, schools may allow students to use smartphones by exception.”
MOE shared that primary schools have been following these guidelines since the launch of the national health promotion strategy Grow Well SG. Some secondary schools also adopted the tighter rules earlier and saw positive outcomes, such as better student well-being, more focus, and increased face-to-face interaction during breaks.
Part of the Wider Grow Well SG Initiative
MOE, together with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, previously announced that guidelines on screen use would be introduced across schools, including preschools, under the Grow Well SG strategy. A survey by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information earlier this year found that many children were exceeding the MOH’s recommended daily screen time limits.
School Autonomy and Student Discipline
MOE explained that while guidelines are provided, each school can set its own discipline policies that follow these rules. The ministry said, “For misuse of smartphones and smartwatches, as part of the educative process, schools typically work with students and engage parents to address the underlying issues and develop strategies to help students manage their use of smartphones and smartwatches responsibly.”
It also added, “Where necessary, schools will also put in place disciplinary measures to help students learn the consequences of their inappropriate actions.”
For students in junior colleges and Millennia Institute, MOE noted that they are expected to have stronger self-management skills to use their devices responsibly. However, “to minimise distraction, the use of these devices during lessons should still be restricted, and explicit permission should be given by the teacher,” the ministry said. These older students may use their smartphones and smartwatches outside of lesson time when needed.
Changes to Device Management Settings
To build healthier digital routines at home, the default sleep hours on personal learning devices will shift from 11pm to 10.30pm. MOE said, “This can help students to manage device use prior to bedtime, and nudge them to sleep earlier.”
Parents who chose fewer restrictions for after-school device use are encouraged to follow this earlier timing.
Communication With Parents and Students
Minister of State for Digital Development and for Education Jasmin Lau shared on Instagram that secondary schools will provide more details later on. She wrote, “I hope parents will continue partnering with us to guide our children toward a balanced and thoughtful use of technology.”
MOE said the guidelines and reasons behind them will be explained through start-of-year school talks, student handbooks, school websites, and briefings with parents. This is part of helping families prepare for the new school year. The ministry added, “This approach helps to establish clear expectations and facilitates school-home partnership to foster healthier digital habits in students.”
