In a rare show of collective student activism, dozens of high school students from across Taiwan gathered in front of the Ministry of Education (MOE) on Saturday morning to protest against newly released draft guidelines aimed at regulating students’ use of mobile devices in schools.
The protest was not just about smartphones—it was about the voice of students in shaping educational policy. Demonstrators held signs reading “Students are not minor roles. Students are the main body of education!” and “No education without participation; no democracy without discussion,” emphasizing a growing frustration with how policies affecting young people are made without their active inclusion.
📚 The MOE Draft Policy: What Does It Propose?
On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Education introduced a draft regulation titled “Guidelines on the Management of Mobile Devices in Schools.” It categorizes usage rules based on education level:
- Elementary & Junior High Schools: Mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets) should be stored collectively by the school or each class to minimize distractions.
- Senior High Schools: Schools are encouraged to hold joint meetings involving teachers, parents, and students to formulate consensus-based usage policies.
This draft is currently open for public feedback via a government platform.
🎓 Why Are Students Protesting?
Lack of Participation: Student leaders say they were not consulted in the policymaking process. Although public hearings were held, they were limited in scope and poorly publicized.
One-Sided Approach: Protesters argue the proposed policy emphasizes control over education, instead of focusing on digital literacy, responsible device use, and mental health support.
Potential for Abuse: According to one protester from Banqiao Senior High School, there is no guarantee that school councils won’t override students’ recommendations, even if the draft encourages inclusive dialogue.
🧠 Critical Perspectives & New Insights
This protest brings to light two fundamental tensions in modern education:
- Digital Discipline vs. Digital Empowerment: Rather than blanket restrictions, students suggest policies should encourage responsible use of mobile devices and incorporate digital citizenship education into curricula.
- Democratic Participation in Schools: The student demand is not merely about phones but calls for democratizing the education system, where learners are given equal footing in shaping rules that govern their lives.
📣 Student Voices
- Jimmy Wang (王吉米), Taoyuan Yuda High School: “Technology can support learning. Instead of banning smartphones, we should be trained to use them wisely.”
- Wang (王), protest representative: “Addiction isn’t solved by restriction. Education means helping students develop self-discipline.”
📩 MOE Responds
In anticipation of the protest, the MOE released a statement affirming the maturity of Taiwan’s students. It clarified:
- The draft is not final and is meant to “encourage thoughtful dialogue.”
- A nationwide student forum will be held on June 1, inviting representatives to discuss the guidelines further.
The ministry also promised to collect broad public opinions and make revisions accordingly.
🧭 What’s at Stake?
Taiwan, often seen as a model for democracy in Asia, faces a moment of reckoning: Can a truly participatory education system be achieved?
As classrooms integrate more digital tools, the challenge lies in building consensus between educators, parents, and students—not just for this policy, but for future debates around AI in education, data privacy, and digital wellbeing.
❓ FAQs
Why is the MOE proposing this policy now?
To address growing concerns about digital distractions, screen addiction, and classroom discipline in an increasingly tech-integrated society.
What do students want?
They want meaningful participation in policymaking, flexible usage policies, and education on responsible digital behavior—not blanket bans.
Is smartphone usage banned entirely under the draft?
No, the policy suggests device storage rules and collaborative rule-setting at the high school level.
Will the June 1 forum affect the draft?
Yes, the forum will gather feedback that could influence revisions to the draft before any final decision.
Are any other groups supporting the students?
Some parent and civic organizations have echoed calls for broader consultation and more nuanced solutions.
