“The Case for Disconnect: Rethinking Gadget Policies in Schools”

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PETALING JAYA: Amid growing anxiety over the prevalence of mobile devices among young learners, contributors in Malaysia express satisfaction that the Education Ministry’s directive to ban or limit their usage in educational institutions remains intact.

Secretary-general of the National Union of the Teaching Profession, Fouzi Singon, stated that the existing prohibition on gadgets and phones in classrooms – established in 2018 – is upheld as the drawbacks exceed the advantages.

“In Malaysia, we have yet to cultivate an understanding of the appropriate use of these devices that would allow students to bring them to educational settings.

“Even with the current regulation, there have still been instances of misuse, including the documentation of bullying episodes and other incidents within schools,” he remarked when asked for insights.

Fouzi mentioned that currently, only specific educational institutions are permitted to utilize tablets for designated subjects, whereas a majority of schools feature computer laboratories.

“In case of emergencies, students can access the school telephone or request help from teachers,” he commented.

President of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association, Siraj Jalil, remarked that permitting gadgets in educational settings would merely foster an adverse culture, such as cyberbullying, distracting fellow students, and recording inappropriate videos that could cause issues for both learners and institutions.

“The prevailing norm of prohibiting them in classrooms should remain since we do not wish to encounter unforeseen complications arising from it,” he stated.

He praised the ministry for its stance against mobile phone usage within classrooms in most educational institutions, with exceptions made for certain subjects where tablet use is allowed.

Siraj emphasized that during the Covid-19 pandemic, students were permitted to use devices in schools, but circumstances have shifted since then.

In contrast, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, chairman of the Parent Action Group for Education, expressed concerns that it is increasingly challenging for parents, particularly those with children leading sedentary lifestyles, to limit their usage of electronic devices.

“For parents whose children are already heavily engaged with gadgets, attempt to guide them towards more enriching outdoor activities or enjoyable family outings that do not require significant financial investment. Alternatively, seek professional help before the situation worsens,” she advised.

Noor Azimah articulated that global studies have determined that excessive gadget use can result in mental health disorders, including autism and being part of the spectrum.

“In Malaysia, parents might be either unaware of such studies or find gadgets to be such a convenience in daily life that they disregard the potential consequences,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, the majority of students and educators expressed that mobile phones should not be present in classrooms.

For Form Six student Fatihatul Hikma Ibrahim, the prohibition of devices in schools minimizes distractions during classes.

The 18-year-old believes that the lack of smartphones promotes face-to-face interactions and develops social skills.

“Students should only utilize phones to reach their parents in emergencies, while educators can oversee phone usage to ensure it is strictly for educational purposes.

“This will also reduce opportunities for dishonesty during examinations,” she remarked.

Thirteen-year-old Nurul Zaharah Kamal mentioned that her school enforces strict regulations against smartphone usage, even though students carry them in their backpacks.

“In class, we must turn off our devices and only reactivate them after school to contact our parents.

“Students found using them in class will have their devices confiscated. Their parents can retrieve the gadgets only after a week’s time as punishment for their children.

Kalai Manickam, 50, a parent from Kuala Lumpur, backs the decision to prohibit smartphone use in educational institutions.

“They already have computer labs available for their studies or online tasks regardless.

“My 15-year-old daughter primarily uses her phone to book rides or to reach me for pickups,” she noted.