LEGAL MEASURES ON THE RESTRICTION OF SMARTPHONE USAGE RIGHTS IN SCHOOLS: GUIDELINES FOR THAILAND

Abstract

This research article aims to achieve two primary objectives: 1) To study and analyze the legal measures on restricting smartphone usage in schools in the French Republic, the People's Republic of China, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and 2) To explore legal frameworks and propose measures for restricting smartphone usage in schools in Thailand. The research employs qualitative methodology, integrating documentary research and in-depth interviews. The target group comprises 35 participants, including 5 legal experts selected through snowball sampling, 20 school administrators and educational personnel chosen via purposive sampling, and 10 parents also selected purposively. Data collection involved both document analysis and semi-structured interviews, with content analysis applied to interpret the findings. The study revealed that France, China, and the Netherlands have systematically and effectively enacted laws to restrict smartphone usage in schools. In contrast, Thailand has seen a continuous increase in smartphone usage among children and adolescents in schools, adversely affecting their cognitive development, intelligence, and learning capacity. This trend has also led to issues such as attention deficit and slower learning progression, as well as negatively impacting students' mental health. However, Thailand currently lacks specific legal provisions to regulate smartphone usage in schools. The researcher proposes the establishment of legal measures to restrict smartphone usage in schools, addressing the identified issues similarly to the approaches taken by other countries. These measures aim to enhance the overall quality of children across all age groups, thereby contributing to the foundational development of the nation in the future.