“Các thiết bị iPad và Chromebook của trường học đang trở thành nguồn phân tâm trong các lớp học tại S’pore?”

But parents said students had previously been able to bypass the pre-installed device management apps.

A secondary school teacher said students in her form class in 2021 – among the first batch to receive PLDs – already knew how to get around restrictions.

“Within a few days, I saw that they had figured out how to use various chat, entertainment and gaming apps on their devices. Many would then choose to stay back in class to use their Chromebooks during recess and lunchtime, instead of going down to the canteen to eat and socialise.”

Mr Andrew Soo, 50, a nurse, said he and his wife set limits on the use of their two sons’ PLDs at home, but they have no control over usage when they are in school. He declined to reveal the names of their schools.

YouTube and game websites are accessible on their PLDs, he said, even with Mobile Guardian installed. He prefers to install his own parenting software but cannot because of Mobile Guardian.

Both boys, 15 and 17, have their own mobile phones, but Mr Soo uses Google Family Link to restrict their usage, so they can use their phones only for WhatsApp and listening to music.

His younger son was eventually referred to a school counsellor to help manage his iPad usage, and has managed to reduce his screen time since.

Added burden

Parents say they now have to manage the use of another device at home, other than their teenagers’ smartphones. Also, they are often told by their children that the PLDs are needed for school assignments, when this may not always be true.

“I feel like 007. I constantly have to outwit my child so that he doesn’t misuse his PLD,” said the mother of a Gan Eng Seng School student, who is always one step ahead of her in devising ways to covertly use his school-issued iPad at home.

For example, when told to keep his iPad on the table where she could see it, the son placed an empty iPad cover as a decoy instead. She realised he would then head to the bathroom to play games on the device.

She has since confiscated her son’s PLD and is considering not letting him use it in school next year. She said she informed the school leaders and they did not object.

Another parent said her son was able to reset parental controls on his school-issued iPad by creating another user account on the device and using that to log in.

“The kids find out how to reset the factory settings, and then we have to start all over again. I feel like trust has been lost, and it has impacted relationships in the family,” she said.

Parents say the guide given to them on activating parental controls is not enough to thoroughly understand how to manage the PLDs effectively. There are also so many permutations and possibilities when it comes to setting controls.

In response to queries, Gan Eng Seng School said the use of PLDs in the classroom has educational value. With the devices, the school has observed “stronger student ownership” in learning as students are engaged to provide responses on online platforms.

“Students are also taught when, where and how to seek help when needed, for example, when there is misuse of the PLD or when one struggles with excessive use of digital technology,” the school said, adding that it will continue to work with parents to monitor their children’s PLD use closely at home.

The school will also provide counselling, referrals and further intervention when needed, for those who need additional support.