The ban will be voluntary in high schools.
Public primary schools across NSW are scheduled to begin enforcing mobile phone bans in school hours to combat online distractions and increase online safety.
The ban comes after an expert review by psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Greg found that phones in the classroom had a seriously impact on student’s grades as it gave the students another avenue for distraction. The review also found that in some cases primary school aged children were sharing explicit images, or were being contacted by predatory strangers via mobile devices.
A complete ban will take place in all NSW primary schools from the first term of 2019, while NSW high schools will have the choice to opt into the program when it is introduced.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that mobile phones were a new challenge for schools as it gave students more opportunity for distraction and bullying.
“We want to ensure mobile phones and other smart devices complement students learning, and are handled at school in an age-appropriate way,” she added.
Dr Carr-Gregg previously suggested the possibility of only allowing older mobile phones which don’t have the ability to access the internet, use apps, or have a camera.
The ban will be rolled out across NSW in January 2019.
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
