Bangkok To Restrict Mobile Phone Use In 437 BMA Schools From May 18

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, March 16 (Bernama) -- Bangkok will restrict the use of mobile phones and digital devices during class in all 437 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) from May 18, as authorities seek to improve students’ concentration and curb excessive screen use.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said under the “Phone Off, Learning On” initiative, students will be encouraged to leave their phones with teachers during school hours to create a more focused learning environment.

He said the initiative aims to regulate the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in BMA schools while addressing health and behavioural concerns linked to excessive screen time.

“Digital technology plays an important role in modern education, but excessive smartphone use has led to issues such as shorter attention spans, higher rates of myopia and reduced interaction between students, teachers and peers,” he was quoted by local media as saying.

The initiative has already been piloted in 10 BMA schools at both primary and secondary levels.

Chadchart added that the policy will also include cyber safety measures to help prevent online bullying and limit students’ access to inappropriate content while at school.

According to a BMA report, both parents and teachers expressed high levels of satisfaction with the pilot programme, noting improvements in students’ concentration and academic performance.

The BMA is currently gathering feedback from stakeholders before formally implementing the measure across all 437 schools in the first semester of the 2026 academic year, which begins on May 18.

-- BERNAMA