Singapore Implements School Phone Restrictions, Parents Express Relief

Singapore's Ministry of Education has introduced new rules restricting mobile phone use in schools. The policy, which began this term, has drawn support from many parents who struggle to manage their children's screen time. Parents like Lynn Lee, a 49-year-old mother of three, welcome the change. She describes her 15-year-old daughter's phone use as an "addiction," with daily screen time reaching eight to 10 hours. This occurs despite parental controls that shut off home internet access each night. Lee says the excessive phone use has negatively affected her teenager's temperament. She believes the school-day restrictions will help reinforce healthier habits. The ministry's guidelines allow students to bring phones to school but require the devices to be kept off and out of sight during instructional time. Officials stated the move aims to minimize distractions and encourage more face-to-face interaction among students. Many parents share Lee's sentiment, often summarized by the phrase "better late than never." They hope the unified school policy will support their efforts at home to reduce digital dependency.