Truong Chinh High School in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City has prohibited students from using smartphones on campus, except for the front yard and when they are in classrooms where teachers require phone use for academic purposes.

Trinh Duy Trong, principal of the school, explained that it does not ban its students from bringing smartphones to the school but they are not allowed to use the phones on campus, including during break time.

The school has two yards: a front yard and an inner yard. Students can use their phones in the front yard.

They can also use smartphones in classes where their teachers require the use of the phones for academic purposes, Trong added.

The school called on students to engage more with their peers and participate in physical activities, fostering social interaction and personal development.

“Since the rule was implemented, students no longer gather around their phones during breaks," he said.

"The schoolyards are livelier, with many students now playing sports.”

\Meanwhile, Ngo Thoi Nhiem Elementary, Middle, and High School, also located in Ho Chi Minh City, permits students to use smartphones, but with restrictions in place to ensure responsible usage.

“An absolute ban would cause frustration among students," said principal Tuong Nguyen Su.

"In the digital transformation context, many classes require students to use mobile phones to learn in groups and record videos.

“Therefore, the school allows them to bring their smartphones to campus but they have to hand over their devices to security guards or head teachers.”

Su added that each classroom is equipped with a cabinet where students can store their smartphones.

During lessons that require smartphones for studies, teachers distribute the devices to students at the start of class and collect them once the session ends, he explained.

For day-boarders, they are required to give their smartphones to their head teachers when they arrive at school and get them back after school time to contact their parents or book ride-hailing services.

Meanwhile, boarders have to surrender their smartphones to their head teachers at the beginning of the week and receive them back before leaving the school for their homes.

The school’s policy is flexible, allowing students to request their phones if they need to contact their parents.

Most parents support the regulation, which has been in place for several years, the principal noted.

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