In today's digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous in the lives of both adults and children. These pocket-sized devices have revolutionized the way we access information, connect with others, and even learn. However, the integration of smartphones in education has sparked a lively debate: Are they valuable learning tools or distracting devices that hinder the learning process?

Study Snapshot: Southeast Asia's Perspective on Smartphone Usage Among Children

Blackbox and ADNA surveyed over 9,000 respondents across Southeast Asia to better understand their views on smartphone usage among children. The respondents were asked to express their opinions on various statements related to this topic. Here's what our survey revealed in 10 quick points:

1. The Need for Specific Learning Courses

Our survey's first statement, “Schools need to develop specific learning courses to teach children about the hazards of smartphone usage,” received mixed responses. Overall, over half (54%) of Southeast Asians agreed with this statement, while 46% disagreed. Singaporeans were the most concerned, with 66% agreeing, whereas Indonesians were the least worried at 45%. Intriguingly, only 24% of Gen Z respondents agreed with the statement; could this suggest a degree of denial among younger individuals? For instance, Malaysian youth, despite their vehement disagreement with this statement (88%), previously reported feeling intense social media pressure in our earlier survey!

2. Balancing Benefits and Harm

The statement “Smartphones provide more benefits than harm amongst children” garnered scepticism, with 61% of respondents disagreeing and only 39% agreeing. Gen Z, perhaps due to their familiarity with technology, was the most optimistic, with 67% saying smartphones are more beneficial than harmful.

3. Smartphone-Free Bedtime

There was unanimous agreement across all regions and age groups when it came to the statement “Children should not be allowed to go to bed with their smartphone.” An overwhelming nine in 10 (90%) of Southeast Asians agreed with this statement, possibly highlighting a shared concern for the importance of restful, distraction-free sleep.

4. Banning Smartphones in Schools

When asked if “Smartphones should be banned totally from schools,” opinions were divided, with 58% of Southeast Asians in favour of a ban and 42% against it. Thais and Vietnamese were the most supportive of the ban, with 71% and 64% agreement, respectively.

5. Social Media’s Impact on Children’s Mental Well-being

On the issue of social media companies' safeguard mechanisms, 53% agreed, while 47% disagreed with the statement, “Social media companies should do more to protect children from content that could impact their mental wellbeing.” This split divide underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the role of social media platforms in safeguarding young users.

6. Parental Control

“Parents should only allow a child to hold onto their smartphone at times of the parent’s choosing” received substantial support, with 81% in agreement. Interestingly, half of Gen Zs agreed with this, with 54% agreeing and 46% disagreeing.

Our survey indicates strong support for parental control over smartphone usage. Parents play a crucial role in setting boundaries and monitoring their children's screen time. By being actively involved in their child's digital life, parents can help strike a balance between learning and leisure, ensuring that smartphones are used as tools for education rather than distractions.

7. Smartphones in Schools vs. Classrooms

“Smartphones should be allowed in schools but not in the classroom” divided respondents, with 45% in favour and 55% against. Thais were the least supportive of smartphones in schools, with 68% in disagreement. To navigate this complex landscape, collaboration between schools and parents is key. Schools can develop guidelines and policies for smartphone usage within the educational context. These policies can include rules about smartphone use during class time and strategies to promote responsible usage.

8. Social Media Companies' Responsibility

Regarding the statement “Social media companies prefer to pass the responsibility for children’s mental wellbeing to parents rather than do anything to reduce potential harm,” 55% agreed, while 45% disagreed. This highlights the perception that social media companies could do more to protect children's mental health. They should continue to develop and enforce policies that restrict harmful content and ensure the safety of young users. Additionally, governments can provide a regulatory framework to address smartphone usage among children, striking a balance between individual freedom and public interest.

9. The Role of Smartphones in Learning

While 57% disagreed, a significant 43% agreed with the statement, “If used effectively, a smartphone is an important learning tool for children today.” Gen Z respondents displayed the highest level of support at 67%, possibly reflecting their familiarity with digital learning tools. It is intriguing that, even in 2023, a majority (two-thirds of those aged 25 and above) still do not perceive smartphones as beneficial for children's learning. Could it be that respondents have a more favourable view of tablets and laptops, while retaining reservations about smartphones?

10. Government Intervention

The final statement, “Governments should institute more top-down policy to reduce smartphone usage by children,” resulted in an almost even split, with 51% in favour and 49% against. Gen Z respondents, however, expressed significant scepticism about government intervention, with 75% disagreeing with this statement.

Balancing Act: Leveraging Smartphones for Learning While Mitigating Distraction

The survey results reflect the complexity of the smartphone-in-education debate, showing that opinions vary widely across different regions and age groups. It's evident that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether smartphones are valuable learning tools or distractions in the classroom. Instead, it highlights the need for a nuanced approach to integrating these devices into education.

Smartphones, when used effectively, can indeed be powerful learning tools. They provide access to a vast array of educational apps, resources, and information that can enhance the learning experience. With the right guidance, students can develop digital literacy skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through educational apps and online resources. However, the survey results also emphasize the need to address the potential hazards of smartphone usage among children. From the risk of addiction to the negative impact on mental well-being, it's essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to develop strategies to mitigate these risks. This includes educating children about responsible smartphone usage and the potential consequences of excessive screen time.

The debate over smartphones in education will continue to evolve as technology advances and societal attitudes shift. The key lies in finding a balance—a balance between harnessing the educational potential of smartphones and mitigating the distractions and hazards they can pose. By working together—parents, educators, policymakers, and technology companies—we can ensure that smartphones contribute positively to the education of our children while safeguarding their well-being in the digital age.

This is the latest piece in an ongoing series around smartphone behaviours, patterns, and perceptions in Southeast Asia. Through this study, we hope to reach out to all stakeholders involved for building effective strategies to address the fine line between tech adoption and addiction.