Restrictions on the Use of Smart Devices in School Classes to be Implemented from Next March

Starting from the first semester of next year, the use of smart devices by students during classes will be fundamentally restricted.

On the 27th, the Ministry of Education announced that the partial amendment to the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" was passed in the National Assembly and will be implemented from March 1, 2024.

This legislation aims to protect students' right to learn and facilitate smooth educational activities for teachers.

The amendment was initially expected to pass alongside legislation that would downgrade artificial intelligence digital textbooks (AIDT) to "educational materials" on the 4th, but it was not presented.

Exceptions to Restrictions on Smart Device Use and Educational Considerations

The recently passed amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act contains provisions to limit the use of smartphones and other smart devices during class time.

Additionally, it allows school principals and teachers to restrict students’ use and possession of smart devices on campus when necessary for protecting students’ learning rights and facilitating teachers' educational activities.

If restrictions are placed on use or possession, criteria, methods, and types of smart devices necessary can be determined by school regulations.

The amendment also includes reasonable exceptions to the restrictions rather than an unconditional limitation in all situations.

Students with disabilities or those requiring special education are allowed to use assistive devices, educational smart devices for learning purposes, and smart devices for emergency responses when permitted by teachers or school principals, even during class.

Moreover, it states that school principals have the obligation to strive to provide students with education on proper use of smart devices in accordance with the "Basic Education Act."

An official from the Ministry of Education stated, “Before implementation, we will collaborate with provincial education offices to ensure schools are well-informed about this legislation for stable promotion in the school environment.”

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