Full ban will commence by Term 1 2024 – mobile phones to be ‘away for the day’
Almost all state schools already have bans in place, but not all cover break times
Ban will also cover certain wearable devices like smartwatches
National commitment made at Education Ministers’ Meeting in Canberra today
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Education Minister Grace Grace has announced mobile phones and certain wearable electronic devices like smartwatches will be banned at all Queensland state schools during school hours – including break times - from Term 1, 2024.
'Away for the day' – mobile phones and wearable devices at school
The Queensland Government is committed to reducing the distraction of mobile phones and other devices to provide optimal learning environments for all state school students.
From the beginning of Term 1 2024, all Queensland state school students must keep their mobile phones switched off and 'away for the day' during school hours. Notifications on wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must be switched off so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours.
The decision to implement a consistent, statewide approach to putting mobile phones away during the school day is based on an independent review of Queensland's approach to mobile phones, which was completed in July 2023.
The statewide review heard from students, parents, school staff and experts about the changing impacts of technology on the health, wellbeing and education of young people, with a number of key themes emerging.
Impact on student learning, engagement and wellbeing
Students and teachers shared concerns about distractions to the learning environment caused by student personal use of mobile devices. This included receiving notifications, messages and phone calls during class time, with students commonly reporting feeling pressure to respond immediately.
In those high schools with mobile phone restrictions and systems already in place, both school staff and students reported benefits, including:
- more face-to-face interactions during class time and lunch breaks
- increase in focus and concentration during learning time
- increase in the wellbeing and physical activity of students
- reduction in misuse of mobile phones during school hours.
The review found that more than 95% of Queensland state schools are already implementing restrictions on the use of mobile phones for students during the school day, under existing policy.
It is also important to acknowledge the role that mobile phones can play in providing innovative learning opportunities for all students, and access to the learning environment for students with medical, disability or wellbeing needs.
Appropriate engagement with technology
Children generally receive their first mobile phone in the transition to high school, but some students as young as 7 to 8 years-old own phones. The need for more education to help young children safely use technology was highlighted in the review.
Some high schools shared that they were taking a proactive approach to online safety, working with local primary schools to educate young students about the appropriate use of mobile phones as they move into high school.
Partnership between families and school communities
Principals and parents saw further opportunities to work together to support young people to build digital literacy and online safety skills. Providing resources to build this knowledge and a clear statewide policy direction on suitable mobile phone use in schools would offer benefits for everyone.
Equity of access
It was widely recognised that as 21st century learners, students across Queensland require access to reliable internet and technology devices. Stakeholders emphasised the need for a balance between statewide restrictions that would promote student wellbeing and engagement, while meeting the diverse learning needs of students through equitable access to technology.
