The Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) instituted a complete ban on mobile phone usage during academic hours as of October 1, 2025, following an announcement from the Office of the Vice Chancellor. This policy mandates that all students must deposit their phones in designated areas before lectures, tutorials, guest sessions, or public talks, and they can only use phones when expressly permitted for classroom-related activities. Nearly five months after the implementation of this directive, the student body has started to assess its impacts, with varied perspectives emerging.
Many students have acknowledged that the phone ban has fostered improved concentration in class. For instance, Rinchen Choden, a student from RUB, reported that the restriction has enhanced her focus and slightly boosted her academic performance, as it minimizes distractions during lectures. However, she also expressed concerns about the challenges this policy poses, primarily the difficulty of accessing information quickly during class. Rinchen suggested that a more flexible approach could be beneficial, advocating for limited phone use for educational purposes such as research or accessing learning applications.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the nuances between college and school environments. One student indicated that mobile phones often aid in understanding lessons, as they allow quick access to information when students are hesitant to seek clarification from their lecturers. Conversely, a 19-year-old from Sherubtse College reflected on the communication disruptions caused by this ban, such as missing notifications and reminders previously received through their devices.
Feedback on social media mirrored these views, with many students arguing that mobile phones serve dual roles as tools for both academic engagement and entertainment. They advocated for a more balanced approach to phone usage rather than a blanket ban, urging the university to focus on educating students about responsible technology usage in academic settings. This sentiment was further reinforced by several students who contended that the issue of phone misuse should be addressed on an individual basis rather than penalizing all students for the actions of a few. RUB officials assert that the main objectives of the policy are to restore discipline, mitigate distractions, and foster deeper engagement in learning among students. Overall, the discourse surrounding this policy highlights the delicate balance between minimizing distractions and leveraging technology for educational benefits.