Which school banned smartphones, and is there a list?

MOE announced a nationwide guideline for secondary schools rather than a school-by-school list. Each school sets its own storage routine and exception process, so check your school handbook or briefing notes for details. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

Does Singapore allow phones in school (MOE mobile phone policy)?

Yes. Students may still bring phones, but they cannot use them during school hours and must store them away. MOE has previously stated there is no blanket smartphone ban and that school policies consider student profiles and needs. MOE parliamentary reply

Can kids have smart watches at school?

Smartwatches that allow messaging or calls are covered by the same restriction as smartphones. POSB Smart Buddy Watches remain allowed for e-payment. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

Is this only for secondary schools?

The January 2026 enhanced measures explicitly target secondary schools. MOE’s earlier guidance for primary and secondary schools remains the baseline reference, but secondary schools have the additional restriction on non-lesson time. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

When does "school hours" end on CCA or enrichment days?

MOE states the restriction covers CCAs and supplementary/enrichment/remedial lessons. Ask your school how it defines the end of school hours on CCA days. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

How can parents contact students during school hours?

Phones are stored during school hours, and schools may allow phone use by exception when necessary. Agree on a school-hours plan and confirm your school’s process. See our guide for parents and students: Contact Your Child During School Hours (2026 MOE Phone Ban)

Are Smart Buddy Tags paired with myFirst Fone allowed in schools?

MOE states that POSB Smart Buddy Watches remain allowed for e-payment. However, MOE also states that pairing POSB Smart Buddy Tags with devices like myFirst Fone is not allowed in schools, because myFirst Fone has smartwatch-like features (for example, messaging and voice/video calls) that may cause distractions and disrupt learning. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

Are GPS-only kids watches allowed under the MOE smartwatch restriction?

MOE explains that the smartwatch restriction is included because smartwatches can enable communication through messaging and access to apps (including social media), which can lead to distractions. If a wearable supports messaging, calls, or app access, treat it as covered by the restriction and check your school’s guidance for your specific device model. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

Can students use their phones once school hours end (e.g., after the last programme)?

MOE’s tightened restriction is explicitly framed as a school-hours rule for secondary schools. Because school routines (including the end of school hours on CCA/enrichment days) differ across schools, confirm your school’s exact cut-off and expectations. MOE press release (30 Nov 2025) If you want a broader student digital well-being playbook, start with our Secondary Physics hub: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/secondary-physics-tuition.

MOE Phone Ban 2026 (Handphone): Secondary School Smartphone & Smartwatch Rules

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23 Dec 2025, 00:00 Z

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Q: What does MOE Phone Ban 2026 (Handphone): Secondary School Smartphone & Smartwatch Rules cover?
A: A source-backed summary of MOE's January 2026 phone and smartwatch rules for Singapore secondary schools, plus a parent-student checklist and FAQ.

TL;DR
From January 2026, Singapore secondary school students may not use smartphones or smartwatches during school hours, including recess, CCAs, and supplementary/enrichment/remedial lessons.
Devices stay in lockers or school bags; schools may allow use by exception.
Smartwatches with messaging/calls are covered; POSB Smart Buddy Watches remain allowed for e-payment.
PLD default sleep hours move to 10:30pm (from 11:00pm).

Status: MOE press release on enhanced screen-use measures last checked 2026-01-01.

1 MOE handphone policy update for January 2026 (secondary schools)

From January 2026, MOE says Singapore 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.

This restriction applies to personal smartphones and smartwatches that students bring to school. It does not replace the PLD/DMA framework for school-managed learning devices.

Source: MOE press release (30 Nov 2025)

2 Why MOE tightened the rules

MOE frames the January 2026 change as part of its broader push to promote healthier, more purposeful screen use among students. The press release positions the tighter rules as an enhancement to reduce distractions during school time and reinforce healthier digital habits.

MOE’s earlier Grow Well SG guidance already discouraged smartphone use during lesson time. The 2026 update extends the restriction to non-lesson time for secondary schools.

Sources: MOE press release (30 Nov 2025), Grow Well SG press release (21 Jan 2025)

3 What counts as "school hours"

MOE spells out that school hours are not limited to class time in its 30 Nov 2025 press release. The 2026 restriction covers:

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

Area	2025 guidance (Grow Well SG)	2026 enhanced measures (secondary schools)
Lesson time	Smartphones/smartwatches should not be used during lesson time.	Same baseline continues.
Non-lesson time	Examples of school routines include storage before lessons and allowing use only in designated areas at appropriate times (e.g., recess, after school).	No smartphone/smartwatch use during school hours, including recess, CCAs, and supplementary/enrichment/remedial lessons.
Storage & exceptions	School routines vary by context.	Devices kept in lockers or school bags; schools may allow use by exception.

Device or situation	During school hours	Notes
Smartphones/handphones (personal)	Not allowed to use	Store in locker/bag; exceptions by school.
Smartwatches with messaging/calls/apps	Not allowed to use	Treated like smartphones.
POSB Smart Buddy Watch	Allowed for e-payment	MOE notes these remain allowed.
POSB Smart Buddy Tag paired with myFirst Fone	Not allowed	myFirst Fone has smartwatch-like features (messaging/voice/video calls).
Personal Learning Devices (PLDs)	Use governed by DMA	School-managed learning devices; see MOE EdTalks.

MOE Phone Ban 2026 (Handphone): Secondary School Smartphone & Smartwatch Rules

1 MOE handphone policy update for January 2026 (secondary schools)

2 Why MOE tightened the rules

3 What counts as "school hours"

4 2025 vs 2026 mobile phone policy (secondary schools)

5 Where phones go and what exceptions look like

Devices covered vs allowed (quick table)

6 Related change: PLD sleep hours shift to 10:30pm

7 What this means in practice for parents and students

8 Parent and student checklist

Related guides

9 FAQ: MOE phone ban 2026 (Singapore secondary schools)

Sources

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