Cambodian schools ban mobile phones in classrooms to improve discipline

PHNOM PENH, March 18, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Education has ordered students in public schools to stop using mobile phones during class hours and breaks, in a bid to strengthen discipline and promote moral conduct.

The directive, issued on March 16, 2025, stresses that discipline is a shared responsibility among school management, teachers, parents, guardians, local authorities and the wider community.

Students are required to respect school regulations, exercise their rights responsibly, and uphold dignity, ethics and personal hygiene. Participation in the curriculum and extracurricular activities – including moral education programs, talks and performances – remains compulsory.

The ministry also banned gambling, betting and smoking on school premises. Mobile phone use is only permitted when explicitly authorised by school authorities.

Officials said the move is part of wider efforts to improve the learning environment and encourage responsible behaviour among young people.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has also taken steps to safeguard student health. Speaking at the 12th National School Feeding Day in 2025, he announced a nationwide ban on the sale, consumption and promotion of energy drinks in and around schools.

He directed the education ministry to strengthen safety and nutrition measures, and emphasised the importance of feeding programs that use locally sourced agricultural products.