Bangkok to restrict smartphone use in 437 schools from 18 May

2026-03-14 - 06:43

BANGKOK — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to restrict the use of mobile phones and digital devices during class hours in all 437 schools under its supervision starting 18 May. Speaking on 13 March at Matthayom Wat Sutharam School in Khlong San district, Chadchart announced a proactive measure to regulate the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in BMA schools under the “Phone Off, Learning On” initiative. The programme encourages students to leave their phones with teachers during school hours in order to create a more effective learning environment and reduce health and behavioural impacts linked to excessive screen use. Chadchart said digital technology plays an important role in modern education, but excessive smartphone use has led to problems such as shorter attention spans, increasing rates of myopia and declining interaction between students, teachers and peers. He added that many students also exercise less because they spend long periods using smartphones and other digital devices, which may weaken social skills as they become more immersed in the virtual world. Citing research conducted in 14 countries from early childhood to university level, Chadchart said mobile phones can easily distract students from learning. Even the presence of a phone nearby or a notification can interrupt concentration, and it may take up to 20 minutes for students to regain focus. Several countries, including Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom, have already restricted smartphone use in schools, with reported improvements in learning outcomes. Under the BMA policy, digital devices may still be used for learning purposes under teacher supervision during appropriate lessons. Certain areas or times, such as lunch breaks or shared spaces, may be designated as digital-free zones to encourage social interaction, physical activity and breaks from screens. The policy will also include cyber safety measures aimed at preventing online bullying and limiting access to inappropriate content within schools. The initiative has already been piloted in 10 BMA schools covering primary and secondary education levels. According to the BMA, both parents and teachers reported high satisfaction, noting improved student focus and better academic performance. The BMA is currently collecting feedback from stakeholders before officially implementing the measure across all 437 schools in the first semester of the 2026 academic year, which begins on 18 May.