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The ban has also encouraged young people to socialise more.
One year on from the change, a survey of almost 1,000 public school principals found almost universal support for the ban, at 95 per cent, and most say removing the unnecessary distraction has improved students’ focus and reduced social isolation.
The NSW Department of Education’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation survey further found:
“One year in it’s clear, this was the right decision,” says Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns.
“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.”
Since this election commitment was delivered at the beginning of Term 4, 2023, public schools across NSW are continuing to report widespread benefits.
“We are committed to putting the safety of young people first, and the results in schools show that learning without distracting mobile phones is making students happier and healthier,” added Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car.
“Feedback from teachers, staff and students show the mobile phone ban is an overwhelming success – it was one of the first calls made by the Minns Labor Government and it was the right one.”
“Without mobile phones our students are more engaged in the classroom and are building stronger relationships with their peers.”
“Importantly, our election commitment to ban mobile phones in schools has delivered more productive classrooms with students who are less distracted and arriving in class ready to learn.”
At Riverstone High School, Principal Rosemary Daubney said students are more focused during class time, and at recess and lunch are now socialising with one another. Sport is now popular, with students taking up touch football and basketball.
At Kurri Kurri High School, Principal Alan Hope said the universal policy had provided staff support in leading settled and focused classes. Students were now engaged in lunchtime sporting competitions, reading and chess clubs.
Read also: Education with AI: Teacher communication and efficiency improved
Banning mobile phones in schools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to address the harms posed to young people by social media. Initiatives in this space include:
“We see greater engagement in the classrooms and more positive social interactions. Students can concentrate and focus,” comments Principal of Riverstone High School Rosemary Daubney.
“In breaks, I used to see students sitting alone, looking at their screens. Now, they are playing games, touch football and basketball.”
“They are laughing and running around, having a good time and talking to each other.”
“The statewide policy helped us win backing from parents,” she concludes.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
