Mobile phones banned in public high schools

Today is the beginning of a new-old era when mobile phones didn’t exist, at least in NSW public schools – students in public high schools across the state must have their mobile phones turned off and out of sight from today.

The ban comes into force after consultation with teachers, students and parents, and will apply during class, recess and at lunch. Students will still be permitted to carry a phone while travelling to and from school.

The ban on use of phones in public high schools fulfils a key election promise made by the Minns Labor Government and will complement the ban in place in NSW public primary schools.

Improving environment and outcomes

The ban is one of a number of measures being put in place to improve the classroom environment and student outcomes.

The NSW Department of Education offered schools several options for implementing the mobile phone ban, and following consultation with their local communities most have opted for zero or low-cost solutions, such as keeping phones in lockers or off and away.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the ban creates a level playing field across all NSW public schools, and means students can focus on what’s most important – learning in the classroom.

‘It will help to provide more productive classrooms for students and teachers, reducing opportunities for distraction and cyberbullying,’ she said.

‘What we’ve heard from schools that already have bans in place gives me real confidence that this common-sense measure will improve student learning and social development outcomes.’

Options for schools include:

• Off and away: Phones are ‘off and away’ in classrooms (typically kept in the student’s school bag). Phones are not used for the duration of the school day.
• Phones in lockers: Students do not carry their phones with them; they must be kept in a locker for the whole school day.
• Locked phone pouch: Students place their phone in a magnetically locked pouch and are unable to use their phone. Pouches are magnetically unlocked at the end of the school day.
• Phones collected at the front office: Students deposit their phone at the school’s front office at the start of the school day and collect it at the day’s end (or when leaving the school premises). 

Schools will determine how they enforce the ban and respond to any breaches.

Principals and teachers can authorise the use of mobile phones for educational purposes, or as part of a reasonable adjustment for student learning and wellbeing – such as monitoring blood sugar levels for students with diabetes.