Blog · Schools
China's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes. Since February 2021, China's Ministry of Education has required that primary and secondary students do not, in principle, bring mobile phones to school. Where parents apply in writing, the phone is handed to the school during the day and is never allowed in classrooms.
The rule is a Ministry of Education notice announced on 2 February 2021. It covers all primary and secondary pupils. Phones are, in principle, not to be brought to school. Parents with a genuine need can apply in writing; if the school agrees, the pupil hands the phone to the school for safekeeping during school time. No phones are allowed in classrooms. Schools must not set homework that requires a phone.
The ministry gave three reasons for the notice: protecting pupils' eyesight, keeping their attention on study, and preventing internet and gaming addiction. The announcement drew public debate, with some parents questioning how practical it was and others backing it. The rule remains the national position for schools in 2026.
Because phones are meant to stay at home, schools must give families other ways to reach pupils. The notice tells schools to provide public telephones and teacher hotlines for contact between parents and children. Where phones are allowed in, the school holds them in custody for the day. Local education bureaus and schools set the detailed procedures.
Whatever the rule in China requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so teachers in primary and middle schools do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to China, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a student bring a phone to school in China at all?
Only by exception. Parents must make a written application, and if it is approved the phone is handed to the school during the school day.
Are phones allowed in classrooms?
No. The 2021 notice says phones are not allowed in classrooms, and schools may not set homework that must be done on a phone.
How do parents contact their child during the day?
Schools are told to set up public telephones and teacher hotlines so parents and pupils can reach each other without a personal phone.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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