Ho Chi Minh City to ban students from using phones at recess from 2026

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.