New Zealand schools once boasted some of the highest literacy rates in the world.

However, the reading and writing levels of students here have fallen to such a level that some researchers fear a "crisis" is brewing.

In 2022, researchers at the New Zealand Centre for Education warned of a “crisis” after finding that more than 30% of 15-year-olds could barely read or write. The researchers stressed the urgent need for solutions to address this worrying situation in New Zealand.

Faced with this situation, Prime Minister Luxon said he would ban the use of mobile phones in schools within the first 100 days of his presidency, applying a policy that has been tested in the US, UK and France. Accordingly, students will have to hand in their phones at the beginning of the day and get them back when they leave.

The move will help students focus more on their studies, Prime Minister Luxon said, according to the NZHerald . Some studies have shown that learning outcomes improved by 6.5% after the ban. Banning the use of these devices during breaks will also help improve health and social skills.

The new government of Prime Minister Luxon, sworn in on November 27, has made controversial decisions in its first week in power.

Doctors have warned that the country could face a public health "tragedy" after the government abruptly scrapped tobacco control measures that banned the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008.

Mr Luxon has also agreed to restart offshore oil and gas exploration, reversing one of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's signature climate change policies.

Minh Hoa (t/h according to Vietnam+, Saigon Giai Phong, Hanoi Moi)