Post by : Rameen Ariff

PUTRAJAYA – In a strong move to tackle bullying and violent behaviour in schools, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government is considering a smartphone ban for students under 16. The proposal, part of three immediate measures discussed in the latest Cabinet meeting, aims to improve school safety and reduce the growing influence of social media on young minds.

Speaking after Friday prayers at Surau Jannatul Firdaus, PPAM Seruling, the Prime Minister said the smartphone ban for students under 16 comes as evidence mounts that excessive phone use, social media exposure, and online gaming are contributing to aggression, distraction, and even criminal tendencies among students.

“We’ve seen how social media and online games can influence behaviour, sometimes even leading to criminal acts. So, we will move towards prohibiting the use of smartphones among students aged 16 and below,” Anwar said.

The smartphone ban for students under 16 is still under study, but Anwar pointed out that several countries have already implemented similar measures successfully. He believes Malaysia must act decisively to protect its students from negative digital influences while promoting healthier learning environments.

Alongside the smartphone ban for students under 16, the Prime Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening moral and value-based education in schools. He urged active participation from parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure the overall wellbeing of children.“Education minister Fadhlina Sidek will provide further details. I hope principals, teachers, and parents will give their full cooperation,” he added.

Addressing another pressing issue, Anwar reminded school administrators not to hide bullying incidents or violent misconduct just to preserve the school’s image. The government, he said, will not tolerate such practices, and any attempt to cover up wrongdoing should be treated as an offence.

“Often, headmasters prioritise protecting the school’s image. While students are fighting and causing trouble, they’re more concerned about how the school looks,” he said. “If such cases are covered up, it should be considered an offence as they are essentially protecting criminal activity.”

The smartphone ban for students under 16 proposal reflects the government’s broader goal to restore discipline and accountability in schools. Anwar warned that ignoring small cases of bullying or misconduct can eventually lead to more serious issues, emphasizing that early intervention is crucial to building safer, more respectful school environments.

As Malaysia debates the smartphone ban for students under 16, parents and educators have shown mixed reactions. Some welcome the move as a necessary step to curb distraction and cyberbullying, while others call for balanced implementation that still allows controlled educational use of technology.

For now, the government’s message is clear — school safety and student wellbeing must come before convenience. If approved, the smartphone ban for students under 16 could mark a major turning point in Malaysia’s education policy, setting a precedent for digital discipline and accountability among the nation’s youth.

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