More Countries Adopt Indonesia's Lead as World Undergoes Drastic Shift on Phone Bans
More countries worldwide are taking decisive steps to limit the use of mobile phones within school environments. The Czech Republic has become the latest nation to propose a ban on mobile phone usage in schools.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis stated on Monday (21/06/2026) that the government has submitted a draft law that would prohibit the use of mobile phones in schools starting from September 2027. Under the proposed regulation, the ban would apply not only during classroom instruction but also during school breaks. However, certain exceptions exist, such as use for health reasons or if permitted by the school for educational purposes.
“Schools will not be able to allow students to use their mobile phones during breaks outside of those specific reasons,” the draft law stated, as reported by Reuters.
The Czech Republic’s move follows several other nations that have previously restricted social media or mobile phone use among children. Poland joined the ranks this month, alongside countries such as the Netherlands, South Korea, and Italy, which have already implemented smartphone bans in schools. These policies are driven by concerns regarding the impact of phones on student concentration and behaviour.
Similar regulations are already in effect in Indonesia. Beyond mobile phones, restrictions on social media access are also expanding. Such policies have been in place in Indonesia since 28 March 2026, through the Tunas Government Regulation, strengthened by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs Regulation Number 9 of 2026.
Eight platforms have already complied with these rules. These initial high-risk platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, YouTube, TikTok, and Roblox. “But we are not stopping at these eight platforms. Because in the digital realm, if we intervene in one or two, they will simply shift to others,” said the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, during a press conference last April.
The Jakarta Provincial Education Office has also issued a Circular Letter to collect all student devices during school hours. This policy is outlined in Circular Letter Number e-0001/SE/2026, issued on 7 January 2026, regarding the Wise Use of Gadgets in Educational Units.
The Head of the Jakarta Provincial Education Office, Nahdiana, stated that the Circular was issued to maintain the cognitive quality and psychological well-being of students. The restriction on gadget use applies to all educational units, with exceptions made for specific learning needs and locations designated by each school.
“The restriction is implemented with exceptions for special conditions according to learning needs and in places determined by the educational unit,” Nahdiana said in her statement.