Discussions on a 100% Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools, Government Responds Thus
Governments worldwide are beginning to adopt rules limiting children’s access to social media to protect them from exposure to negative internet content. This includes Indonesia, which has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16 since 28 March 2026, through the Tunas Government Regulation reinforced by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Regulation Number 9 of 2026.
Furthermore, several countries have already enforced mobile phone bans in schools. So, will Indonesia follow suit?
Arif Jamali, Director of Secondary Education and Special Education Teachers at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), stated that there is currently no policy direction to implement a 100% mobile phone ban in schools. However, there are limitations being implemented.
“Imposing a nearly 100% restriction is certainly not possible. Who can restrict children from accessing mobile phones? Therefore, our awareness focuses on training teachers in deep, meaningful, and joyful learning,” he said during the CNBC Indonesia Tech & Telco Forum 2026 on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
The role of teachers is considered crucial in educating children’s thinking processes, enabling them to use technology wisely.
“The key is supervising students when they access technology and are at school, in the classroom. The content they can access at school is under teacher supervision and in the context of the learning process,” he explained.
Although a 100% ban on mobile phones is not feasible, Arif emphasised the importance of restrictions. This is because students cannot be entirely free to access the internet.
“When they can access the internet, and when they are not allowed to. Teachers must have skills in the context of digital literacy. It’s impossible for teachers not to have those skills. If students are completely freed, our children’s way of thinking will become even more wild. Therefore, teachers must act as guardians to protect our children,” he explained.
According to him, there must be collaboration between teachers, schools, and families. He noted that in some regional regulations, there are already restrictions on mobile phones during classroom learning.
“If that doesn’t happen at home, without supervision, it becomes ineffective. We have already prevented our children from becoming victims of crimes, pornography, online loans, and online gambling,” he stated.
Previously, school students in DKI Jakarta faced restrictions on mobile phone use at school. Recently, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Education Office issued a circular to collect all students’ gadgets during school hours.
This policy is outlined in Circular Number e-0001/SE/2026, issued on 7 January 2026, regarding the Wise Use of Gadgets in Educational Units. Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Education Office, Nahdiana, stated that the circular was issued to maintain the cognitive quality and psychological calm of students.