Jakarta, July 27 -- Indonesia's Education Ministry says limiting smartphone use at schools has improved student interaction, with students spending breaks socializing rather than looking at their screens.

Deputy Minister Fajar Riza Ul Haq said the policy aims to promote healthy technology habits and prevent excessive dependence on mobile devices from an early age.

"The ministry issued Circular Letter No. 18 of 2026 on restricting device use to help students avoid dependence on phones," Fajar said Monday.

Limiting digital-device use is also part of broader efforts to protect students' mental health amid rapid technological growth, he said.

Education traditionally has three pillars-families, schools and communities-but a fourth has emer...