More Countries Adopt Indonesia's Lead as World Undergoes Drastic Shift on Phone Bans

An increasing number of countries worldwide are taking firm steps to restrict mobile phone use in school environments. The Czech Republic has become the latest nation to propose a ban on mobile telephones in schools. Prime Minister Andrej Babis stated on Monday (22/6/2026) that the government has submitted a draft law that would prohibit phone use in schools starting September 2027. Under the proposed regulation, the ban applies not only during classroom teaching activities but also during school break times. However, there are several exceptions, such as use for health reasons or if a school permits it for educational purposes. “Schools will not be able to allow students to use their mobile phones during breaks outside of these reasons,” the draft law states, as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday (23/6/2026). The Czech Republic’s move follows a number of other countries that have already restricted social media or mobile phone use among children. Poland this month joined nations such as the Netherlands, South Korea, and Italy that have implemented bans on smartphones in schools. The policy is driven by concerns over the impact of phones on learning concentration and student behaviour. Similar rules are already in force in Indonesia. Beyond phones, restrictions on social media are also spreading, with such policies already in place in Indonesia. In the country, a ban on social media access for children under 16 has been in effect since 28 March 2026, through the PP Tunas regulation reinforced by Permenkomdigi Number 9 of 2026. Eight platforms have complied with the rule: 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 pay attention to or intervene in one or two, users will move to others,” said Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid at a press conference in April. The Jakarta Provincial Education Office has also issued a Circular Letter mandating the collection of all students’ devices during school hours. The policy is outlined in Circular Letter Number e-0001/SE/2026, issued on 7 January 2026, concerning the Wise Use of Devices in Educational Units. Head of the Jakarta Provincial Education Office Nahdiana stated that the Circular Letter was issued to safeguard students’ cognitive quality and psychological well-being. The restriction on device use applies across all educational units, with exceptions for specific learning needs and locations designated by each school.