The story of 'quitting' phones in schools

TP - The boxes that hold students' phones when they go to school not only limit students from using their phones for useless things but also help increase the connection between students and teachers.

TP - The boxes that hold students' phones when they go to school not only limit students from using their phones for useless things but also help increase the connection between students and teachers.

When students don't use their phones…

During recess, students from Chu Van An Secondary School (Tay Ho, Hanoi ) rushed out to the yard on the first floor of the main building to “reserve spots” to play badminton and form groups to tell funny stories. Some groups played tag, shuttlecock, chess, and read books.

The laughter of students filled the space. From the second floor, students did not go down to the yard but instead stayed in the hallway, or in the classroom talking or playing a small game together, completely ending the situation of students holding phones at school, even during breaks.

Ms. Trinh Dieu Hang, Vice Principal of the school, wishes that if the school yard were larger, students on the upper floors would come down to play, instead of hanging around the hallways where their classrooms are.

A special box in the classroom. Photo: NGHIEM HUE

Ms. Dieu Hang said that before the document from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, Chu Van An Secondary School had regulations in its internal rules. At first, implementing this regulation was quite difficult. Ms. Hang said that when a student had his phone confiscated, he struggled, felt uncomfortable, and even cried.

The school must plan to coordinate with the family to "cut off" the student's phone addiction by gradually reducing the time spent using the phone each day, instead of confiscating the phone until leaving school like other students.

On October 11, 2024, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training issued Document No. 3550 toeducational institutions in the city regarding the management and use of phones in schools. The document clearly states: depending on actual conditions, the Board of Directors and teachers of the school shall manage students' phones and receiving and broadcasting devices before the first class (manage by class) and return phones and receiving and broadcasting devices to students after school and class. In classes that require the use of mobile phones, receiving and broadcasting devices and are permitted by teachers, students are allowed to bring mobile phones and receiving and broadcasting devices into the classroom for use.

The Department of Education and Training requires that units must not allow students to use phones in class but not for learning purposes and without teachers' permission.

Duong Minh Khue, a 7A4 student at Chu Van An Secondary School, said that because he was used to using his phone during breaks, he felt a little strange and difficult when he didn't use it. But now Khue is used to it.

"I have time to socialize with friends, talk to friends more, and prepare lessons for new lessons," Khue said.

She added that she should also set a strict schedule for herself when she gets home, using her phone only for 1 hour a day to watch movies or watch foreign language teaching clips.

Nguyen Quoc Hieu, a 9A7 student at Chu Van An Secondary School, confirmed that not using a phone helps his child improve his academic results.

At home, his parents do not forbid the use of phones, but from his school habits, Hieu is self-disciplined and only uses the phone when he needs reference materials for his subjects.

During breaks, Hieu chooses to talk or stand up and stretch to relax his body before starting the new class. At school, Hieu also registers to participate in sports activities such as basketball and soccer.

In Hieu’s 9A7 class, the student’s locker has a special compartment, carefully locked. The key is given to the female class monitor for safekeeping. It is opened early in the morning and then locked until the end of the class. That is the compartment that holds all the students’ phones in the class.

In class 7A11, this special box is the drawer on the teacher's desk. This drawer is considered the safest, because only teachers have the right to open the lock.

Without using phones, students have more time to spend with friends during break time. Photo: NGHIEM HUE

Significant effect

Ms. Nguyen Quynh Nga, homeroom teacher of class 7A5, Chu Van An Secondary School, shared that this is the right policy of the industry as well as the school. Every time she goes to class, Ms. Nga often reminds students to voluntarily put their phones in the locker.

“This helps students not to be distracted from their studies in class and have more time to communicate with each other, especially helping to avoid students becoming dependent on their phones and the internet (phone addiction - PV),” Ms. Nga commented.

At Chu Van An Secondary School, teachers have been propagating, sending documents and advice to parents with the hope of working with the school to manage their children's phone use at home. Most parents have responded. Teachers have also instructed parents to use software to manage phone usage time.

Ms. Trinh Dieu Hang said that not using phones for other than studying purposes has brought about very clear results. Over the past time, students in the school have become more connected with each other, they also communicate and ask teachers more about their lessons. Teachers are also able to teach in class with peace of mind, without being distracted or inhibited when students are playing with their phones while teaching.

Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam - Chairman of the Board of Dinh Tien Hoang High School (Ba Dinh, Hanoi) said that the principle of teaching is to create attention for students. If students do not concentrate, it will be difficult to complete the goals and requirements set; therefore, it is extremely necessary to issue regulations prohibiting the use of phones during class.

At Dinh Tien Hoang High School, early in the morning, each student will put their personal phone in the classroom's common management box, and the class officer is responsible for monitoring this.

In addition, there are teachers who regularly check and remind students to strictly follow the instructions; to avoid students forgetting or intentionally not putting them away, leading to loss of concentration during class.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/chuyen-cai-dien-thoai-trong-truong-hoc-post1691237.tpo