Schools in Singapore impose phone bans to reduce distractions, rekindle social interaction

In 2023, the United Nations called for a global ban on smartphones in schools arguing that they can disrupt students’ learning and affect their mental health. – The Straits Times

SINGAPORE: At the beginning of each school day, students at Queensway Secondary School have to keep their mobile phones in a “locker”. On most days, they do not have access to their phones until at least six hours later, when their last lesson ends.

The shared locker is placed at the front of the classroom, and teachers ensure that all students keep their mobile phones there until they are ready to be dismissed from school.