KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- MOE confirms students do not need mobile phones for emergency contact with parents
- Stricter smartphone restrictions in secondary schools take effect from January 2026
- Parents can contact schools directly, while students may use general office phones
Parents can contact schools directly during emergencies, and students may use school phones to call home. The Ministry of Education (MOE) says personal mobile phones are not necessary for urgent communication.
Singapore Schools Clarify Emergency Contact Under Phone Ban
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Announcement | 13 January 2026 |
| Affected Group | Secondary school students |
| Phone Restriction | No smartphone use outside lesson time |
| Emergency Contact | School general office |
| Enforcement Start | January 2026 |
What the New School Phone Rules Mean
From January 2026, secondary school students will no longer be allowed to use smartphones or smartwatches outside lesson time. This includes recess, co-curricular activities, and non-curriculum periods.
Previously, some schools allowed phone use during breaks. Under the revised policy, devices must remain unused during the school day.
MOE has clarified that these measures do not affect emergency communication between parents and students.
How Parents Can Reach Their Children in Emergencies
According to the ministry, parents with urgent messages should contact the school’s general office. Schools already have procedures to relay messages promptly to students.
Students can also use phones in the general office to call their parents when needed. This ensures communication remains reliable without students carrying or using mobile devices during school hours.
[Link to Official Source – Apply Here]
Managing Teacher Workload and Discipline
MOE has assured schools that teachers will not face unnecessary administrative burden.
Existing discipline frameworks for managing phone use during lessons will remain. Schools are given flexibility to apply enforcement measures based on their student profiles and operational needs.
Some schools have chosen to introduce dedicated mobile phone lockers, managed by staff, to store devices securely during school hours.
Why This Matters
The revised policy reflects growing concerns over student focus, digital habits, and mental well-being. Schools that adopted similar measures earlier reported improved attention in class and better peer interaction.
The ministry is also engaging school leaders to address implementation concerns and ensure the policy improves daily school life for both teachers and students.
For parents, the reassurance is clear: emergency contact channels remain fully accessible, without relying on student-owned devices.
Broader Context on Children’s Device Use
Singapore has tightened digital guidelines across education levels in recent years.
Since February 2025, pre-schools must follow updated rules that:
- Prohibit screen time for infants up to 18 months
- Limit device use to teaching purposes only for children aged 18 months to six years
These measures signal a consistent national approach towards healthier digital use among children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my child bring a phone to school?
Yes, but it must remain unused and stored during school hours.
What if there is a family emergency?
Parents should contact the school’s general office immediately.
Will teachers have to manage phones daily?
Schools may use lockers or existing systems to minimise teacher workload.
Does this apply to primary schools?
The announcement applies specifically to secondary schools.
