Ministry of Education: Strict Ban on Bringing Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices into Classrooms

The Ministry of Education has recently released a new directive outlining Ten Measures to Further Strengthen the Mental Health of Primary and Secondary School Students. This initiative aims to create a healthier, more balanced learning environment while addressing issues such as exam anxiety, overreliance on digital devices, and excessive academic pressure.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of improving students’ digital literacy and fostering awareness of online safety and cyber law. Schools are instructed to guide students in developing responsible online habits and to strictly regulate the use of smart devices on campus. Bringing mobile phones and other electronic products into classrooms is now strictly prohibited.

To further reduce digital dependency, students and parents are encouraged to participate in the nationwide “Screen-Off Campaign,” promoting balanced use of technology and healthier offline engagement. The Ministry also announced joint actions with relevant departments to reinforce the accountability of online platforms. Algorithms must be optimized to avoid pushing harmful content that may induce anxiety or encourage unhealthy competition among students. Authorities will continue purifying the online environment for minors by strengthening the management of anime, short videos, web dramas, online variety shows, games, and literature.

The new measures seek to alleviate exam-related stress and the pressure of academic advancement. Schools are urged to reduce excessive homework, strictly control total workloads, and avoid repetitive or punitive assignments. A “No Homework Day” is recommended once a week. Examination frequency will be reduced, difficulty levels adjusted, and ranking students by test results will be banned. Middle school reform will continue to promote fair enrollment distribution across quality high schools, helping to ease anxiety for both students and parents. Additionally, schools must integrate life education, health awareness, and resilience training into their curricula. Monthly practical activities will strengthen students’ emotional regulation, adaptability, and coping mechanisms under stress.

Schools are required to ensure at least two hours of physical activity per day. This includes regular inter-class breaks, after-school sports programs, and class or grade-level competitions that encourage full participation. Partnerships with community facilities are also encouraged to expand access to sports venues. To safeguard students’ physical well-being, schools must manage schedules to ensure adequate sleep. Early mandatory sessions before class are prohibited, and schools with resources should provide rest periods at midday. Parents are advised to maintain healthy sleep routines at home, while authorities will include sleep quality in national education and health assessments.

Special attention will be given to left-behind children, orphans, children from single-parent families, and those with limited guardianship. Schools must establish individual support plans and closely monitor their emotional and behavioral changes during key academic or holiday periods. Regular home visits and targeted psychological counseling will help ensure timely intervention and care.

Every school will be required to establish a full mental health service network consisting of class advisors, psychological counselors, and psychiatric professionals. Teachers will receive regular training to better identify early signs of mental distress among students. The Ministry also encourages the integration of AI-assisted tools, such as “AI Psychological Assistants” and “Smart Stress-Relief Rooms,” to provide real-time emotional support. Teachers’ well-being will also be prioritized through improved counseling systems and workload management.

Schools will collaborate with families and community organizations to foster harmonious parent-child relationships. Each semester, schools must host at least two family education sessions to strengthen parental understanding of psychological health and communication skills. Parents will be guided to support their children’s emotional growth and to create nurturing home environments.

A coordinated multi-department framework will be established involving health, police, internet, and youth organizations. This includes setting up psychological counseling centers, early-warning systems for mental health crises, and referral mechanisms for students needing medical care. Hotlines such as 12355 and 12356 will continue providing nationwide psychological assistance. Public education efforts will also expand to raise awareness of mental health knowledge and early warning signs, cultivating a social atmosphere that values emotional well-being alongside academic achievement.

In summary, the Ministry’s new measures mark a decisive step toward balancing academic excellence with emotional resilience. By integrating education, family, and community support, China aims to build a healthier, happier, and more sustainable learning environment for its younger generation.