JAKARTA: Schools in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, are now subject to restrictions on the use of electronic gadgets including smartphones and smartwatches during school hours.
Jakarta Education Agency head Nahdiana said the restriction, which took effect on Tuesday, covers primary, secondary and vocational schools.
The restrictions also include the use of tablets and laptops, all of which must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored in designated areas provided by schools, she said.
"The use of gadgets is only allowed under special circumstances in line with learning needs and at designated locations,” she was quoted by Antara News as saying.
She stressed that the policy does not constitute a total ban on gadget use, but serves as a protective measure against potential risks arising from unwise usage.
"The policy was introduced to prevent negative impacts such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, as well as adverse effects on children’s mental and physical health,” she said.
She said school principals would appoint official school contact persons and collect emergency contact details for each student to ensure that parents or guardians would still be able to communicate with students. - Bernama
