East Java Education Office to Regulate Gadget Use for Teachers and Students from April 2026

Control over gadget usage for students and teachers in senior high schools (SMA), vocational high schools (SMK), and special needs schools (SLB) under the East Java Education Office will commence in April 2026, beginning with a trial phase in the first week of April. “We need to regulate gadget usage to ensure that the learning process runs safely, healthily, and with a focus on strengthening the character of students,” said Head of Disdik Jatim, Aries Agung Paewai, in Surabaya on Tuesday (31/3). According to Aries, the policy will be implemented gradually, starting with a trial in the first week of April, followed by evaluations by each school. If the trial is deemed sufficient, Aries emphasised that the policy will then be applied comprehensively across all SMA, SMK, and SLB in East Java. To support this plan, the East Java Education Office has issued rules on the use of electronic devices or handphones. Each student is permitted to bring a handphone to school only as a means of communication with parents/guardians and as a learning aid. “During teaching and learning activities, the handphone must be in silent mode and stored in a place designated by the teacher, unless used under direct instruction from the subject teacher,” he said. Handphone use in learning activities is only allowed if there is instruction from the teacher for educational purposes, such as accessing learning resources or digital literacy, participating in online quizzes or assessments, conducting multimedia-based learning practices, and submitting digital assignments. “Use outside of these purposes is not permitted during lesson hours; teachers must supervise all students to ensure compliance with all these policies,” he said. Meanwhile, regarding gadget use during breaks, he stated that it is permitted in a limited and prudent manner. However, it is recommended to prioritise direct social interactions and healthy communication with peers to maintain a balance between digital and non-digital activities. If students violate the rules, the office assures that there will be graduated educational sanctions, including verbal warnings, temporary confiscation and deposit of the device in the teachers’ room or counselling room, summoning parents/guardians, and further guidance actions according to the level of violation. “For serious violations, such as cheating during exams or serious misuse, special handling will be given in accordance with applicable school regulations,” he stressed.