Key Points:
- Singapore Smartphone Rules set to restrict smartphone and smartwatch use for all secondary school students starting January 2026.
- New guidelines require devices to be stored all day to promote healthier digital habits and reduce screen time.
- Schools retain flexibility in implementation, with updated sleep settings on learning devices supporting better routines.
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced new rules that will limit smartphone and smartwatch use for secondary school students starting January 2026. These rules extend beyond current restrictions, which only prevent device use during lessons. Under the updated guidelines, students will need to keep devices stored throughout the entire school day. Schools may allow exceptions when required for learning or specific needs. The goal is to build healthier digital habits and reduce unnecessary screen time among young learners.
Wider Restrictions Aim to Support Student Well-Being
The new guidelines apply to recess, co-curricular activities, enrichment sessions and remedial lessons. Students must place their devices in designated storage areas or keep them inside their school bags. MOE shared that these steps support the Grow Well SG national health strategy, which focuses on student well-being. A recent survey by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information found that many children exceed recommended daily screen time limits. The updated Singapore Smartphone Rules respond to these findings and aim to create a healthier school environment.
Schools that already adopted tighter rules have seen positive changes. Teachers reported that students appeared more focused during lessons and more engaged with peers during breaks. Some schools also noted improved attentiveness and better social interaction. These results guided MOE’s decision to expand the approach across all secondary schools. The shift also brings secondary schools in line with primary schools, which adopted similar Singapore Smartphone Rules in January 2025.
Schools Maintain Flexibility in Implementation
While the guidelines outline core expectations, schools will retain autonomy in setting discipline practices. This allows each school to tailor its approach according to student needs, existing school culture and daily routines. Teachers are encouraged to use educative strategies when guiding students on appropriate device use. Conversations with students and parents are expected to remain central, especially when early signs of misuse appear. Where necessary, schools may still apply disciplinary actions to reinforce responsible behavior under the Singapore Smartphone Rules framework.
Junior colleges and the Millennia Institute will take a slightly different approach. Students at these levels are expected to show more self-management, though device use during lessons will still require a teacher’s approval. The emphasis remains on building self-discipline while keeping classrooms focused and free from unnecessary interruptions in line with the evolving Singapore Smartphone Rules.
Updated Sleep Settings for Learning Devices
As part of the broader initiative, MOE will adjust the default “sleep hours” on personal learning devices. The Device Management Application (DMA) will now activate at 10:30 p.m. instead of 11 p.m. This change aims to help students adopt healthier nighttime routines. Teachers and school leaders have noted that late-night device use can affect alertness and energy levels the following day. Bringing forward sleep settings is meant to support better rest and more consistent study habits under the strengthened Singapore Smartphone Rules.
Authorities hope that these combined measures will help students reduce passive screen use and engage more actively in school life. Increased face-to-face interaction, deeper focus during lessons and more meaningful breaks are among the intended outcomes. The upcoming changes offer students and teachers an opportunity to re-shape learning routines and develop stronger digital discipline through the nationwide rollout of Singapore Smartphone Rules.