From October 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will pilot the limitation of students' use of phones during recess at 16 schools. The pilot period is expected to last until the end of the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year.
At Binh Chieu High School (Tam Binh Ward) - one of the participating units in the pilot, the atmosphere of the playing time has had many clear changes.
Nguyen Manh Khong, a 12th grade student, said that at first, he was not used to it because he had formed the habit of using the phone. However, after a period of implementation, I noticed that the schoolyard became more vibrant.
"Previously, it was quite quiet during recess because most students held their phones. Now, many of you on the football field, playing badminton, basketball, playing chess... feel much more connected," Manh Khong shared.
Sharing the same comment, Nguyen Manh Chung, a 12th grade student, said that participating in physical activities during recess helps the spirit to be more comfortable and alert.
"Swedging the volleyball court helps me to be less sleepy and focus more on the next lesson. Before, many students just sat in the phone session or played games," Chung said.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Dang Duc, an 11th grade student, assessed that not using a phone during recess is necessary in the context of students increasingly depending on technology devices.
"When we don't have a phone, we talk to each other more, make new friends and participate in common games. In addition to sports, many students also play chess and participate in folk games," Duc shared.
According to records, limiting phone calls has helped many schools become busier during recess, creating a healthy common living space, encouraging students to exercise and communicate directly.
From the pilot reality, many students expressed their hope that the school will continue to maintain this model, at the same time expand the playground, organize diverse activities so that the playtime becomes a truly relaxing time, recharging energy after stressful lessons.
After the end of the pilot phase, the Department of Education and Training (DET) of Ho Chi Minh City plans to expand and officially apply the limit on the use of phones during recess at all general education institutions in the city from January 2026.
According to the Department's requirements, each school must organize at least three activities such as sports, performing arts, folk games, reading or life skills club during recess; students must participate in at least one activity.
Schools will also sign commitments with students and parents, monitor and report weekly results; violations will be reminded or handled according to regulations.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training said that this regulation aims to build a healthy, safe, and friendly school environment in the spirit of "happy schools", contributing to improving the quality of comprehensive education.
