Mobiles banned from NSW primary schools

More than 600,000 primary students are BANNED from bringing mobile phones to schools because they’re distracting them from class

  • Mobile phones will be banned from public primary schools across NSW
  • The move will affect approximately 619,000 students across public schools
  • The education department will provide guidelines to schools to enforce bans
  • Experts have recommended high-schools follow suit, but they are not obliged 

Mobile phones will be banned from public primary schools across NSW from next year.

The state government announced the move on Thursday, following a review into their use in classrooms. It will affect approximately 619,000 students.

‘Mobile phones, unfortunately, are not only distracting but also causing stress for young children – and we can’t have that continue,’ NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told Seven’s Sunrise.

Mobile phones will be banned from public primary schools across NSW from next year (file picture)

Poll

Should mobile phones be banned at school?

‘We’re sending a very strong message to everybody that children need to be protected.’

The education department will provide guidelines to schools about exactly how the ban will work, but it’s believed students won’t be able to have access to phones during the day.

If there are special requests from parents they will be kept somewhere to be accessed before or after school, Ms Berejiklian said.

Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, who led the review, said mobile phones posed a risk to children.

‘It’s all really about kids focusing on lessons, better socialising, reducing social media use and reducing online bullying and online image abuse,’ he told 2GB.

While plenty of schools around the country currently have they own rules about mobile phone use, Mr Carr-Gregg said schools had a ‘duty of care’.

“It’s very clear that the vast majority of young people who end their life have a mental health problem, particularly depression.

“So anything we can do to reduce depression, to reduce stress and anxiety in young people we should do and all schools have a duty of care to provide students with a safe environment in which to learn.

He went on to say he was certain prohibiting smartphones during school hours would positively impact mental health and presence.

High schools will have the choice to opt-in to the ban.

Mr Carr-Gregg suggests the ban remain in place for students in grades seven to 10. He did suggest that students in grades 11 and 12 be permitted to use their phones under tight restrictions.



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