Contact Your Child During School Hours (2026 MOE Phone Ban)
In one line
\\- From January 2026, secondary school students cannot use phones during school hours; devices are stored, and exceptions are school-approved.
Key points
- \\- Agree on pick-up points, a backup adult, and a no-phone contingency plan before term starts.
- \\- Save the school office contact and know how your school handles urgent messages.
Last updated 08 Jan 2026
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- Quick contact map
- 1 The key rule that changes contact habits
- 2 Build a school-hours contact plan (quick checklist)
- Concrete example: a simple family plan
Q: What does Contact Your Child During School Hours (2026 MOE Phone Ban) cover?
A: A practical contact plan for parents and students when phones are stored during school hours, plus a simple checklist you can reuse before term starts.
TL;DR
\- From January 2026, secondary school students cannot use phones during school hours; devices are stored, and exceptions are school-approved.
\- Agree on pick-up points, a backup adult, and a no-phone contingency plan before term starts.
\- Save the school office contact and know how your school handles urgent messages.
Status: MOE's enhanced screen-use press release remains the official source for the January 2026 secondary-school phone and smartwatch rules; the MOE page was last updated on 8 Jan 2026.
Quick contact map
| If you have... | Read this | What to do |
| 1 second | TL;DR | Do not rely on your child's phone during school hours. |
| 10 seconds | Contact plan checklist | Save the school route, pickup point, and backup adult. |
| 100 seconds | Urgent changes and templates | Use the school-approved channel and a short clear message. |
1 The key rule that changes contact habits
MOE's January 2026 measures for secondary schools mean smartphones and smartwatches cannot be used during school hours (including recess, CCAs, and supplementary/enrichment/remedial lessons). Devices stay in lockers or school bags, and schools may allow use only by exception when necessary. That is why parents and students need a clear school-hours contact plan.
