Schools set to BAN smartphones over fears students are using them to cyber-bully each other

Mobile phones could soon be banned from schools as the NSW Government begins an unprecedented review of their dangers for students.

Education Minister Rob Stokes commissioned the wide-ranging review over fears of cyber-bullying after the suicide of Dolly Everett, 14, last year.

The review, led by child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, would investigate the ‘risk versus reward’ of mobile phone use on school grounds. 

Education Minister Rob Stokes commissioned the wide-ranging review over fears of cyber-bullying after the suicide of Dolly Everett, 14, (pictured) last year

Mr Stokes said it would consider social media restrictions based on age, online safety and prevalence of cyber-bullying, and bans on phone is primary schools. 

These concerns would be weighed against the need for students to be in contact with their parents on the way to and from school. 

‘While smartphones connect us to the world in ways never imagined just a decade ago, they raise issues that previous generations have not had to deal with,’ he told the Daily Telegraph. 

The review, led by child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg, would investigate the ‘risk versus reward’ of mobile phone use on school grounds

‘Principals are adopting a range of approaches to managing their use, and we want to ensure we provide the best possible advice to help them support their students and parents.’ 

Mr Stokes said concerns about student smartphone use included cyber-bullying, distractions from learning, and giving children too much screen time.

‘In the classroom and in the playground, smartphones provide­ opportunities for students and parents to stay connected, but can also create other problems,’ he said.