KUCHING: The government’s proposed ban on smartphones for students under 16, though aimed at curbing bullying and violence in schools, may not effectively address the root causes of the problems.
Association of Boards of Management of Chung Hua Primary Schools (SJKCs) in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok said while the intention is commendable, a blanket ban may only tackle the symptoms of bullying rather than the underlying issues.
“Such a ban might help reduce cyberbullying during school hours, but bullying — whether physical, verbal, or psychological — stems from deeper behavioural and environmental issues that cannot be resolved simply by removing a device,” he said to Sarawak Tribune.
He stressed that discipline, empathy, and moral values must be cultivated from within students through consistent guidance from both school and home.
“Moral development begins at home and must be reinforced in school through value-based education,” he added.
Chai also pointed out that smartphones have become an essential means of communication between parents and children, especially during emergencies or after-school activities.
“A total ban could create connectivity problems and inconvenience families,” he said.
Instead of banning devices altogether, Chai proposed a more targeted approach such as restricting minors’ access to social media platforms, similar to Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, which takes effect on Dec 10.
The law prohibits individuals under 16 from having social media accounts and requires platforms to verify users’ ages, deactivate underage accounts, and imposes penalties of up to AUD49.5 million for non-compliance.
“A similar approach targeting social media access, rather than banning smartphones outright, could be a more practical and effective solution,” he said.
Chai warned that a total ban could also lead to unintended consequences in today’s digital learning environment, where smartphones are not only tools for communication but also aids for research, learning, and safety.
He suggested restricting phone use during class hours, designating specific usage periods, or enforcing a social media ban instead of removing devices completely.
“To address behavioural problems and ensure safety, a whole-school and whole-community approach is necessary,” he said.
This includes strengthening counselling services, enhancing peer support programmes, and providing teachers with training in conflict resolution and classroom management.
He said schools should also establish clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing bullying or misconduct, while parents must take an active role in guiding their children’s online and offline behaviour.
“Strong collaboration among schools, parents, and the wider community is key to creating a safer and more nurturing learning environment,” he added.
Chai also supported the prime minister’s call to strengthen value-based and moral education, saying it was time to restore ethics and character education as a core part of the curriculum.
“Schools can teach values, but parents must exemplify them. Children learn best when lessons from home and school are consistent,” he said.
He reminded that principals and teachers are custodians of school culture and must manage bullying cases professionally and fairly.
“At the same time, educators must receive strong institutional support — through continuous training, clear guidelines, and close collaboration with parents — to uphold discipline while nurturing a caring and respectful school environment,” he added.
Chai also called on police officers serving as school liaison officers to take their duties seriously by maintaining safety, monitoring discipline, and supporting preventive education efforts.
