With rapid growth of the availability of technology in Vietnam, especially smartphones, tablets and phablets, teachers and authorities are starting to question their use by students in the classroom, reportes Vietnam News.

A recent survey by the Health Department and Medicine and Pharmacy University in Vietnam suggests that HCM city is among the highest in the world for the ratio of high-school students using smartphones while in the classroom.

The results of the survey, which interviewed 1000 HCMC high-school students, found that a significant 20% of students felt anxious, nervous and unfocussed on their studies if they did not have their smartphone with them. An additional 73% claimed that they owned two or more mobile phones and 70% said they use their smartphone applications daily.

The survey also revealed that smartphone ‘addicts’ frequently suffered from insomnia, pain on one side of their head, and often experienced difficulties in relating to others. Many respondents admitted to a fear of losing their mobile phone and concerns about being without one, a term referred to as ‘nomophobia’.

As Vietnam’s Ministry of Education & Training works towards the widespread inclusion of technology in schools, universities and colleges throughout the country, others are wondering where to draw the line, if indeed a line is to be drawn.

[Vietnam News // Photo via Rosipaw]