High school phone ban consult begins
NSW public schools have begun consultation with the state government over how to implement the new mobile phone ban.
Public secondary school students across NSW will be banned from using mobile phones at school from Term 4 2023, as the government delivers on an election commitment to improve students’ learning and social development.
Mobile phones are already banned in primary schools, and the move will bring NSW high schools in line with schools in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia.
The ban on mobile phones will apply during class, recess and lunch times, as is the case in NSW public primary schools. Students will be allowed to carry their phones while travelling to and from school.
A number of high schools have already banned the use of mobile phones at school — requiring phones to be put in lockable pouches, lockers, bags or simply making students hand in their phones at the beginning of the school day.
“I know many parents who are anxious about the pervasiveness of phones and technology in our children’s learning environments,” said Chris Minns, NSW Premier.
“It’s time to clear our classrooms of unnecessary distractions and create better environments for learning.
“These bans will be applied with common sense and in consultation with the experts, to ensure it works to improve our children’s learning outcomes.”
The Premier and Deputy Premier recently met with students, teachers and education leaders at Condell Park High School where a mobile phone ban has been in place for 16 years.
“Students deposited their phones on trolleys at the start of the school day and picked them up at the end of the day,” said Susie Mobayed, Principal at Condell Park High School.
“This means teachers and students are focusing on teaching and learning with no interruptions. There’s also no room for cyberbullying, social media or taking photos and videos during the school day.
“Our approach is strongly supported by our P&C and parents.”
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