Mobile phones and other personal communication and electronic devices are currently allowed in ACT public schools, but the ACT Government is reviewing policies with a possible view to banning or restricting their use.
Policy options being considered include a first to last bell ban for these devices, a put it away restriction during class times, or a combination of these measures depending on year level.
• Ban from first to last bell – Students would not access their personal communication devices for the entire school day. Students store their personal communications devices in their bag or locker.
• Put it away restriction – Students would put their devices away for class time but would be able to access them at other times during the school day, including lunchtime and other breaks.
• Combination 1 – Students from years K-6 would be banned from using personal communication devices for the whole school day. High School and College students would be subject to ‘put it away’ restrictions.
• Combination 2 – Students from years K-10 would be banned from using personal communication devices for the whole school day. College students would be subject to ‘put it away’ restrictions.
The policy would also consider what exemptions are required, school management guidelines and additional factors.
The public can comment on YourSay: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/mobile-phones-in-schools.
Feedback will close at 11:59pm on 8 October.
Education minister Yvette Berry said the government was seeking feedback to make sure any changes to policy meet the needs and expectations of the community, parents and carers, and stakeholders.
“As the use of mobile phones and other smart devices by students has become increasingly common in ACT public schools, questions about how they can best be used have also increased,” Ms Berry said.
“Parents and carers expect all ACT public schools to have a consistent policy for student mobile phone use in schools, with flexibility to meet the differing needs of students at specific stages of their individual development and schooling level.
“The review of the policy will need to appropriately balance the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.”
Dr Joanne Orlando, a digital expert at the University of Western Sydney, said research indicated phone bans do not improve academic outcomes, largely because students rarely used phones during class. On the other hand, the Australian Psychological Society has identified Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PMPU) as one of the biggest behavioural addiction challenges of the 21st century.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a statement, “I don’t think anyone can deny that using Internet-enabled devices for personal use in the classroom is a clear distraction for our children’s learning potential. However, a big part of school is about preparing our children for the workforce of tomorrow – which is increasingly technology driven – so it’s important that digital technology is part of their learning journey. And, in many classrooms, kids are already working from tablets, PCs and other connected devices.”
