China was the first country to impose a complete ban on smartphones in schools nationwide.
Macau Business magazine l September 2026 | Special Report | Schools without smartphones
When choosing which path to follow regarding smartphone use in schools, the Macau government faced two completely different models: that of Mainland China and that of Hong Kong.
The decision was made to look north, drawing on the experience launched by Beijing in 2021.
Not only is China one of the most restrictive countries regarding mobile phones in schools, but it was also among the first to enact a nationwide ban.
More than in other countries or territories, the measures introduced by the Chinese Ministry of Education form part of a broader strategy to combat digital addiction among children and young people. This plan includes, for instance, prohibiting schools from setting homework that requires mobile phone use.
In short, primary and secondary school students are, in principle, barred from bringing personal mobile phones to school.
Where a genuine need exists—such as for safety or commuting reasons—parents must submit a written request. In such cases, the student may bring the device, but must hand it over upon arrival, where it remains stored until the end of the school day. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in classrooms.
As stipulated by the rules in force in Macau, schools are required to provide alternative channels for communication between parents and children, such as public telephones, direct lines to class teachers, or other designated means.
China justified the ban with three main objectives:
- To improve students’ concentration;
- To prevent internet and video game addiction;
- To protect eyesight and physical health.
In recent years, Beijing has also imposed limits on minor screen time for online gaming, mandated device-level controls, and stepped up campaigns to reduce youth digital exposure as part of this wider strategy.
In Hong Kong, each school decides for itself
The Hong Kong experience, however, reflects a markedly different approach.
There is no blanket ban on mobile phones in schools in Hong Kong. The Education Bureau issues general guidelines while leaving wide discretion to individual educational institutions.
Consequently, each school sets its own policy: many allow students to bring mobile phones provided they remain switched off or are used solely for educational purposes; others adopt stricter restrictions, while some remain more permissive—the decision ultimately rests with the school rather than the government.
“The Education Ordinance and the guidelines issued to aided schools by the Education Bureau (EB)have not stipulated any specific requirement in relation to students taking mobile phones to school,” said the government, confirming that despite growing political integration between Hong Kong and mainland China, Hong Kong’s education system retains significant autonomy in setting school rules.
A report published in July by the South China Morning Post noted that several school principals and education experts have advocated for stricter rules due to heightened distractions, social media addiction, and disciplinary issues. Some schools have already tightened restrictions, requiring mobile phones to stay switched off throughout the day and limiting their use strictly to teacher-authorised activities. The report also highlighted a protest by students at Kwun Tong Maryknoll College against stricter phone rules involving demerits and confiscation, which prompted the Education Bureau to intervene.
Importantly, unlike in other jurisdictions, Hong Kong students routinely rely on their mobile phones for transport cards and digital payments, family communication during long school days, and participation in school-led digital learning activities.
This is likely why the Education Bureau continues to resist a territory-wide ban, maintaining its stance that each school should determine its own policy.
Previous | To ban or not to ban
