Ho Chi Minh City tests phone-free recess at 16 schools

The trial, announced by the municipal Department of Education and Training on Tuesday, runs until the end of the first semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

This initiative, part of a broader plan to reduce student screen time and encourage social and physical engagement, will initially be implemented across 16 educational institutions, each representing one of the city’s educational clusters.

These schools include:

- Nguyen An Khuong Middle School in Hoc Mon Commune

- Vo Truong Toan High School in Tan Thoi Hiep Ward

- Nguyen Thai Binh High School in Tan Hoa Ward

- Cau Kieu Middle School in Cau Kieu Ward

- Tran Dai Nghia Middle and High School in Sai Gon Ward

- District 6 Vocational and Continuing Education Center in Binh Tay Ward

- An Lac High School in An Lac Ward

- Nguyen Huu Tho Middle School in Tan Hung Ward

- Binh Chieu High School in Tam Binh Ward

- Hiep Phu Middle School in Tang Nhon Phu Ward

- Phuoc Kien High School in Nha Be Commune

- Trinh Hoai Duc High School in Thuan An Ward

- Phu Giao Vocational and Continuing Education Center in Phu Giao Commune

- My Thanh Middle School in Ben Cat Ward

- Nguyen Khuyen - Ba Ria - Vung Tau High School in Phuoc Thang Ward

- Long Dien - Dat Do Continuing Education Center in Long Dien Commune

During the trial, students at the selected schools are asked to refrain from using mobile phones and electronic devices during recess.

The move is aimed at fostering a more active, interactive, and inclusive school environment.

Beginning January 2026, the policy will be expanded to all public general education institutions in the city.

Each school will be responsible for developing specific guidelines and procedures for managing mobile phones and electronic devices brought by students.

To replace screen time, schools are encouraged to offer at least three diverse and engaging activities during recess, including:

- Sports and physical activities: mini basketball courts, badminton areas, jump rope zones, and shuttlecock kicking grounds.

- Arts and creative engagement: a small performance stage with basic sound systems, outdoor reading corners, and life skills clubs.

- Folk games: O an quan (Vietnamese traditional stone game), dragon-snake game, blind man's bluff, and tug of war, among others.

Each student will be encouraged to participate in at least one group activity per recess period, helping increase physical movement and face-to-face interaction compared to previous routines.

The initiative follows a consultation workshop held in September, where education experts, school administrators, parents, and students discussed the policy.

The proposal received broad support, with many stakeholders agreeing on the need to reduce phone usage in schools and promote more meaningful peer engagement.