The Vietnamese government is taking steps to limit students' use of smartphones and social media. Concerns about declining focus in learning and exposure to online crimes have led to calls for improvements not only in students' smartphone usage but also in how teachers assign homework using these devices.
According to local media reports on November 8, the Vietnamese government recently directed the Ministry of Education and Training to establish a comprehensive plan for managing smartphone and social media use in schools, reflecting the characteristics of different educational levels. This directive was issued through Resolution No. 353, signed by Prime Minister Le Minh Khai during the government's regular meeting in October 2026. The Ministry is expected to collaborate with relevant agencies and local governments to prepare and submit the plan to the government.
Expansion of Smartphone Regulations in Schools... 84% of Readers Support Ban
More schools in Vietnam are restricting students' smartphone use. A regulation established in 2020 allows students to use devices for educational purposes with teachers' permission, but does not completely ban phone use during breaks. However, due to concerns about declining focus in classes, some local governments have recently implemented a system where students must store their phones upon arrival at school and retrieve them at dismissal. In Ho Chi Minh City, over 500 schools have restricted smartphone use even during breaks.
Globally, regulations are also on the rise. According to UNESCO, as of March this year, 114 education systems worldwide have banned smartphone use in schools, representing 58% of all countries and regions, a significant increase from 24% in 2023.
Public opinion in Vietnam also leans toward stricter regulations. A survey conducted by VnExpress in July last year with over 13,300 respondents found that 84% supported a ban on smartphone use in schools.
Following the government's announcement of stricter regulations, local readers have argued that not only students but also teachers should have their smartphone use limited. One reader stated, "How can students concentrate on studying if teachers are using their phones during class?" They suggested that phone use should be banned during class time from elementary to high school.
Another reader emphasized, "Teachers should be the first to have their phone use restricted, especially those in elementary and kindergarten, as they need to set an example for students." Concerns were also raised about the method of assigning homework via smartphones. One parent expressed, "Teachers should stop using phones to communicate homework and announcements. Even if I block my child's internet apps, they still have access to games and short videos on Zalo."
Another reader pointed out, "Teachers assign homework through group chats, making personal smartphones necessary for middle school students. The Ministry of Education and Training needs to establish realistic standards for the use of information technology in education."
Students Oppose Blanket Ban... Principal Says Education on Usage is Key
In contrast, students have shown opposition to a blanket ban on smartphone use. During the '2026 I Want to Speak' forum held on August 17, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy, principal of Nguyen Sieu Middle and High School in Hanoi, asked students if they wanted a ban on phone use at school. The students unanimously replied, "No." When she asked if they would be willing to hand their phones to their homeroom teacher upon arrival, they all responded, "Yes."
Thuy explained that while a complete ban on smartphone use is difficult, regulations to prevent excessive use are necessary. She stated, "Teachers and students at school should not reject technology but learn how to use it appropriately. School regulations should help maintain a balance between academic and leisure activities."
Experts have pointed out that excessive smartphone use can impact adolescents' mental health and online safety. Le Suan Trung, chairman of the Institute for Psychological Education and Training (IPET), cited data from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), stating that one in five adolescents experiences mental health issues, with 70% of mental disorders beginning in adolescence.
He expressed concern that pressure to succeed and the need for recognition on social media can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, depression among youth.
Captain Dinh Thi Nho Ha from the Ministry of Public Security's Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (A05) identified three types of online scams that adolescents should be aware of: impersonation by acquaintances, bait-and-switch scams using prizes, and psychological pressure through fear. Captain Ha emphasized, "Scammers manipulate children's psychology and behavior. It is important for them to share their fears with someone close rather than facing them alone."
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government has also called for measures to prevent school violence and create a safe educational environment in this resolution. The Ministry of Education and Training is tasked with enhancing education to improve students' morality and legal awareness, while also monitoring the implementation of these measures by local governments and educational institutions. There are calls for the establishment of standards for the use of digital devices and student protection measures to ensure that restrictions on smartphone use are effective in educational settings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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