THE Ministry of Education (MoE) should allow schools greater discretion in deciding whether to restrict smartphone use among students under the age of 16, a leading education expert has urged, warning that a one-size-fits-all policy may do more harm than good.
Datuk Dr Abdul Rashid Mohamed, a respected educationist, said that while concerns about misuse are valid, smartphones have evolved far beyond basic communication tools and now function as essential digital devices in everyday life.
“Smartphones are no longer just for calls or messages. They are now mini-computers with touchscreen functionality, internet access, and a wide range of applications,” he said.
He was commenting on the ministry's proposal to ban smartphones among students up to Form Three (roughly 15 years old), a move that has sparked widespread debate among parents, educators, and policy makers.
Abdul Rashid believes such decisions should be made at the institutional level, taking into account each school's environment, needs, and challenges.
“The Ministry must give schools the flexibility to decide when, by whom, and under what circumstances mobile phones can be brought to school,” he said.
He added that exemptions should be considered for specific learning purposes, such as accessing digital platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS), to ensure students can still benefit from technology in a controlled setting.
“The most effective approach depends on each school's context. Some may be better suited to a policy of regulated use, rather than an outright ban,” he said.
Abdul Rashid also called for broader engagement with stakeholders before implementing such a policy. “This proposal should be an opportunity for meaningful discussion involving parents, teachers, students and policy-makers to strike the right balance for our educational future,” he said.
Drawing comparisons to the long-standing debate over scientific calculators in Malaysian schools — which were officially permitted only in 2003 — he said adapting to new technology has always required time, consultation, and compromise.
“Every time a new technology is introduced, there will be a period of adjustment and debate. The same applies to smartphones,” he noted.
While acknowledging the risks of excessive screen time, poor posture and sedentary habits, Abdul Rashid stressed that smartphones can also serve as powerful learning tools when used responsibly.
“They can enhance understanding, boost creativity, and serve as a means of emergency communication. For teachers, smartphones can aid classroom management and make lessons more interactive, contributing to improved school performance through technology integration,” he said. - October 21, 2025
