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Singapore's School Smartphone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes. Since January 2026, Singapore's Ministry of Education bars secondary students from using smartphones and smartwatches throughout school hours, including recess and co-curricular activities. Primary pupils have had the same rule since the start of 2025.
From January 2026, secondary students may not use smartphones or smartwatches during school hours, including recess, co-curricular activities and supplementary, enrichment or remedial lessons. Devices must be kept in designated storage areas such as lockers, or in school bags. Schools may allow use by exception where necessary. Watches used only for e-payment, such as the POSB Smart Buddy watch, are allowed.
MOE set the same all-day rule for primary schools from the start of 2025, then announced the extension to secondary schools on 30 November 2025. Before this, secondary schools mainly restricted use during lessons. The ministry said screen use can displace sleep, exercise and social contact. From January 2026, sleep hours on school-issued learning devices also start at 10:30pm instead of 11pm.
Each school applies the rule through its own discipline policy, with MOE guidelines for consistency. Students and parents contact each other through the school's General Office if needed. Reports note enforcement gaps: teachers cannot watch every corner, and some students use dummy phones or message through school laptops. Some parents and teachers favour lockers over bags.
Whatever the rule in Singapore requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so primary and secondary schools do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Singapore, 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
Does the ban cover recess and CCAs?
Yes. For secondary students the 2026 rule covers all school hours, including recess, co-curricular activities and supplementary lessons.
Where must phones be kept?
In designated storage areas such as lockers, or in school bags. Schools choose the method within MOE guidance.
Can a student use a phone in an emergency?
Schools may allow use by exception. Students and parents can also reach each other through the school's General Office.
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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