The New South Wales state government’s 2023 decision to ban mobile phones in thousands of public school classrooms is working, according to a survey of more than 1,000 principals—95 percent of whom reported positive results.
The survey, conducted by the state Education Department, found 81 percent of principals agreed student learning had improved, while 87 percent said students were less distracted in the classroom, and 86 percent said socialising had improved.
The ban was introduced at the beginning of term 4 in 2023.
“One year in, it’s clear this was the right decision,” Premier Chris Minns said in a statement on Oct. 21.
“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.”
At Riverstone High School, Principal Rosemary Daubney said students are more focused during class time and credited the ban with increased sporting activities amongst her students.
“In breaks, I used to see students sitting alone, looking at their screens,” she said. Now, they are playing games, such as touch football and basketball.
“They are laughing and running around, having a good time and talking to each other.”
At Kurri Kurri High School, Principal Alan Hope said the universal policy had supported staff in leading settled and focused classes. Students were now engaged in lunchtime sporting competitions, reading clubs, and chess clubs.
According to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car, the ban means students “are less distracted and arrive in class ready to learn.”
NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia have all banned phones in state schools.
However, many places that restricted phones in schools before Australia have now reversed their decision.
