A ban on smartphones and other similar digital devices has taken effect in public and private primary schools and preschools with the start of the new academic year, marking one of the most significant changes to daily classroom routines in recent years. The policy is aimed at reducing distractions, improving students’ concentration and creating a more focused learning environment.
Under the new rules, smartphones, smartwatches and tablets will generally be prohibited during school activities, except in specific circumstances. Devices may be used when a teacher requires them for a lesson or assessment, in a medical emergency or when urgent communication with a parent or guardian is necessary.
For pupils in Grades 4 to 8, typically between the ages of 10 and 14, the new academic programme also provides for one hour of instruction each week on a range of health and wellbeing topics. The curriculum includes lessons on nutrition, mental health, internet safety and puberty, with most of the subjects made compulsory for all students.
Sexual health education, however, remains an opt-in module. The subject was introduced last year as a replacement for the long-standing “preparation for family life” programme, but from the new term, the broader health and wellbeing curriculum will be compulsory for all pupils, while sexual health lessons will continue to require parental choice.
