TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) on Monday (March 10) unveiled a draft regulation addressing the use of mobile devices by students in schools. The proposal mandates that students refrain from using smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable technology during class. Schools or individual classes will manage these devices, ensuring they are only used for learning or in emergencies.
The current guidelines merely require devices to be turned off and managed as necessary. However, the new draft stipulates that schools should establish flexible management rules for devices for educational activities or personal emergencies. It also suggests creating specific guidelines based on device types, such as smartphones and tablets, to reflect their varied usage.
The draft emphasizes proper device management by schools to prevent damage or loss. The MOE noted that tablets and laptops are increasingly integral to students' learning, prompting more flexible usage policies. Lin Shuo-chieh (林碩杰), the president of the National Federation of Education Unions (全國教育產業總工會), advocated for differentiated management between high school and younger students, citing the latter's lack of maturity and self-discipline.
Lin highlighted the impact of mobile devices on younger students, including distractions and reduced attention spans. He called for clear, enforceable regulations and uniform penalties to address these challenges effectively.