MOE Phone Ban in 2026: What Changes for Secondary School Students

Q: What does MOE Phone Ban in 2026: What Changes for Secondary School Students cover?
A: A source-backed summary of MOE's January 2026 smartphone and smartwatch restrictions for secondary schools, plus a parent-student checklist for what to do next.

TL;DR
MOE announced that from January 2026, secondary school students may not use smartphones or smartwatches during school hours, including recess and CCAs. Devices stay in lockers or bags, with exceptions allowed by schools when needed. The same announcement moves the default PLD sleep hour to 10:30pm from 11:00pm.

Status: MOE press release on enhanced screen-use measures last checked 2025-12-23.

1 What MOE announced for January 2026

From January 2026, secondary school students cannot use smartphones or smartwatches during school hours, including non-lesson time. Devices must be kept in designated storage (e.g., lockers) or in school bags, with use allowed only by exception when necessary. Smartwatches are included because they enable messaging and apps that can distract from learning. MOE's press release is the source for these changes. https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20251130-moe-to-introduce-enhanced-measures-to-promote-healthier-screen-use-in-students

2 What counts as "school hours"

MOE spells out that school hours are not limited to class time. The 2026 restriction covers:

• Lesson time.
• Recess.
• Co-curricular activities (CCAs).
• Supplementary, enrichment, or remedial lessons.

This is the key shift: the rule now extends beyond lessons to all school hours.

3 Where phones go and what exceptions look like

Phones are kept in lockers or school bags. Schools may allow use by exception when necessary, so check how your school defines and approves those exceptions. POSB Smart Buddy Watches remain allowed for e-payment, while smartwatch-like devices with messaging or calls are not allowed.

4 How this differs from the current 2025 guidance

Grow Well SG guidance in 2025 focused on managing devices during curriculum time, with schools using storage before lessons and allowing phone use only in designated areas at appropriate times (e.g., recess, after school). The January 2026 measures remove routine phone use during all school hours for secondary schools. https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20250121-grow-well-sg-to-support-families-in-building-healthy-habits-in-children