Central Kalimantan Government Regulates Gadget Use in Schools to Foster Healthy Digital Ecosystem

The Provincial Government of Central Kalimantan is regulating the use of gadgets or smartphones in schools as part of an effort to build a healthy digital ecosystem. Adiah Chandra Sari, Head of the Communication, Informatics, Encryption and Statistics Office for Central Kalimantan Province, explained in Palangka Raya on Saturday that this regulation is a policy of Governor Agustiar Sabran to support the creation of a more conducive learning environment. “In this digital era, children have very broad access to information through digital devices. Therefore, proper supervision and guidance are necessary,” she explained. Adiah elaborated that supervision and guidance are needed so that technology can be positively utilised to support learning and the personal development of students. She emphasised that this policy is a concrete step to create a safer digital space for students. In relation to this policy, Gubernatorial Circular Number 400.1.2/18/2026 concerning the use of mobile phones in schools has been issued, applying to all senior high schools, vocational high schools, and special needs schools in Central Kalimantan. This policy is implemented as a preventive measure against various negative impacts of digital technology, such as cyberbullying, the spread of negative content, intolerance, radicalism, and deviant behaviour among students. Adiah explained that the use of gadgets in the school environment still has great benefits if utilised according to learning needs. However, without adequate supervision, these devices can also become a means for spreading inappropriate information, cyberbullying, and content that can influence the character development of students. “This policy is not to restrict students’ access to technology, but to build a healthy and responsible digital culture,” she said. The Central Kalimantan Provincial Government wants to ensure that technology can truly be utilised as a tool for learning, creativity, and developing personal potential. Students need to have good digital literacy skills to be able to sort information, understand the ethics of interacting in digital spaces, and avoid various threats in the cyber world. On the other hand, Adiah also reminded that supervision of technology use is not sufficient only within the school environment. The role of the family is very important in accompanying children when using digital devices at home. “With strong synergy, we can protect students from various threats in the digital space,” she said.