On December 30, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training (GDDT) organized a conference to preliminarily review the pilot and implement the construction of a healthy school environment, limiting mobile phones and electronic devices during recess at Ho Chi Minh City educational institutions.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, after more than 2 months of pilot implementation, clear changes have been recorded in student behavior, school atmosphere and parental consensus.
Ms. Nguyen Xuan Mai - Deputy Head of the Student Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training said that in many schools participating in the pilot program, recess no longer has scenes of students gathering to use phones passively and separately. Instead, the schoolyard becomes bustling with mobility activities, collective games, reading books, chess, club activities, arts, school radio...
The situation of students using phones individually and lacking interaction during recess has decreased significantly. Many students gradually develop the habit of using devices for the right purpose, at the right time, and in the right space according to school regulations.
Instead of completely banning, schools choose a flexible approach, limiting the use of phones during recess, only allowing use when serving learning and with the permission of teachers. Many schools are increasing reminders, guidance, and combining organizing alternative activities to reduce dependence on electronic devices," Ms. Mai said.
According to the Department's leaders, initial results show that after the implementation period, the rate of students using phones during recess has decreased significantly. Over 80% of students participate in at least one alternative activity. Notably, the level of consensus of parents reached nearly 98%, while more than 70% of students agreed to limit the use of phones if there is an attractive alternative activity.
According to the assessment of the Ho Chi Minh City education sector, the pilot model brings many positive impacts. Physically, students increase the amount of light to moderate exercise time during recess, contributing to reducing a less active lifestyle. In terms of spirit and skills, students increase direct communication, spirit of cooperation, reduce the trend of separation, and form the habit of using electronic devices for the right purpose.
These changes are considered an important foundation for building a "Honry School" and a positive school culture environment.
Previously, from October 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training piloted limiting students from using phones during recess at 16 schools.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh - Principal of Binh Chieu High School (Tam Binh ward) - the unit participating in the pilot program said that this is the first time the school has drastically implemented the restriction of students using phones during recess and has recorded many positive signs.
According to Ms. Thanh, during the pilot period, the school organizes many activities to attract students to participate such as sports, arts, karaoke singing contests, and at the same time supplements open library spaces, green spaces, chess and reading areas.
The atmosphere during recess becomes more exciting and joyful, students are excited to participate in collective activities and gradually forget about using phones," Ms. Thanh said.
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