Students in Cimahi City Banned from Bringing Mobile Phones to School Following Viral Incident of Student Insulting Teacher in Purwakarta

The Cimahi City Education Office has prohibited students from bringing mobile phones into school environments. This ban, outlined in a circular, was implemented following the emergence of a case in Purwakarta Regency where students insulted a teacher, which went viral on social media.

“Regarding this, we have issued a circular to schools stating that children in Cimahi are prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school in accordance with provincial directives,” said the Head of the Cimahi City Education Office, Nana Suyatna, when contacted on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

Nana stated that to support learning, the government has provided all necessary facilities for students, from computers to interactive digital screens. Therefore, mobile phones are no longer needed as tools to aid learning in school.

“In principle, for IT learning in schools, there are already computers available. Additionally, to make learning enjoyable, interactive digital boards have also been provided. So all the children’s learning needs have been facilitated,” explained Nana.

Nana said that parental communication can be conducted with the homeroom teacher or school principal. Moreover, all classes in schools under the authority of the Cimahi City Education Office already have WhatsApp groups for parents with the homeroom teacher.

“Then, if parents claim it’s for easy communication with their children, parents already have groups with the homeroom teacher. They can communicate in that group, just send a message or call when picking up from school or when the child has other activities at school,” said Nana.

Nana expressed regret over the inappropriate actions by students in Purwakarta Regency towards the teacher. The ban on bringing mobile phones to school is also intended to minimise the degradation of manners and bad habits among children.

“Of course, we are very concerned when children’s manners towards teachers are like that. In principle, excessive and uncontrolled use of mobile phones can damage children’s character and manners,” said Nana.