China's Ministry of Education Bans Mobile Phone Homework for School Children
China's Ministry of Education has issued a directive prohibiting teachers from assigning homework via mobile phones or requiring students to complete assignments using them. The rule applies to primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens during the summer break.
China's Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines aimed at curbing the use of digital devices for schoolwork during the summer vacation. According to an official statement, teachers are now forbidden from assigning homework through mobile devices, and students cannot be required to complete assignments using their phones. This directive applies to both primary and secondary schools, as well as kindergartens.
The regulations intend to reduce screen time for students and prevent issues such as online addiction. It also aligns with the national "double reduction" policy, which seeks to alleviate the academic burden on students. School administrators and educators are encouraged to concentrate on the quality of education and safety during the break, rather than delegating tasks to parents or misusing digital tools.
Further provisions within the guidelines address improvements to school cafeteria standards and bullying prevention. The aim is to lighten the workload for teachers by eliminating non-educational tasks, such as overseeing local environmental projects or organizing festivities. This ensures teachers can focus on their core instructional duties and student well-being.
The Ministry has previously addressed student mobile device usage. A directive last year prohibited smartphones from being brought into classrooms. The new summer break ban reinforces this stance against the use of digital devices for homework assignment and completion.