The new Labor State Government has started consultation with schools on options they can use to implement the ban – an election commitment from Premier Chris Minns to improve students’ learning and social development.
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.
The Premier said that “it’s time to clear our classrooms of unnecessary distractions and create better environments for learning”.
“I know many parents who are anxious about the pervasiveness of phones and technology in our children’s learning environments,” he said.
“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.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, said the blanket ban in high schools would create a level playing field.
“We know that parents across the State are concerned about the impact that devices like smartphones are having on their kids’ learning and mental health,” she said.
