School phone ban a success

The State Government’s decision to ban mobile phones in all NSW public schools has improved student learning and concentration and encouraged young people to socialise more, according to a new survey by the NSW Department of Education.

One year on from the change, a survey of almost 1,000 public school principals found almost universal support for the ban (95 per cent), with most saying that removing the unnecessary distraction has improved students’ focus and reduced social isolation.

At Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, Berkeley Vale Campus, Principal Debbie Miles noted that students are not only more present and engaged in classroom learning but also during break times.

“The most noticeable change in the students is the lively atmosphere during break times, with students actively socialising, interacting and enjoying lunchtime clubs,” she said.

“Students are enthusiastically participating in sporting competitions like touch football and basketball, as well as engaging in traditional board games and other group activities.”

The survey also saw 81 per cent of principals say students’ learning has improved with public schools across NSW continuing to report widespread benefits.

Banning mobile phones in schools is part of the Government’s ongoing work to address the harms posed to young people by social media.

Other initiatives in this space include: launching the Spotlight on Cyberbullying website in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant; launching a $2.5M research fund to investigate the impacts of excessive screen time, video games and mobile phone use on young people and their learning; and delivering new syllabuses for teachers explicitly addressing respectful relationships, online safety, cyberbullying, consent education and online harassment and abuse.

“One year in it’s clear, this was the right decision,” Premier Chris Minns said of the phone ban.

“Without the distraction of a mobile phone in their pockets, students have been able to focus on their learning, while building stronger relationships with their classmates.

“This is also about supporting our state’s teachers to be able to teach engaged classrooms without the distraction of social media in every student’s pocket.”