The State Government’s ban on mobile phone use in public high schools has seen a dramatic decrease in violent incidents, according to latest data.

Most recent figures show an average 29 per cent decrease in violent incidents in Terms 3 and 4 of 2023 compared to a similar period in 2022.

This is based on all schools with secondary enrolments (131 in total) and include onsite violence.

• Incidents in Terms 3 and 4 of 2022 (before ban) – 319
• Incidents in Terms 3 and 4 of 2023 (after ban) – 228

The ban introduced to reduce distraction in the classroom and stop some of the bullying that occurs through social media, with both outcomes leading to improved learning.

The ‘off and away’ policy came into full effect from Term 3 last year, with some schools adopting the policy earlier during the year.

Previous anecdotal evidence had shown, particularly at break times, teachers had seen an increase in physical activity and involvement in extracurricular clubs, with principals talking about the change in culture in the school yard with students playing together and chatting, rather than heads down looking at their phones.

The success of the ban here in South Australia has been watched closely by other states with the NSW Government recently announcing its own school phone ban.

It’s also on the national agenda with all education ministers recently agreeing to a national commitment to ban, restrict or manage the use of mobile phones in government schools, following the success of the South Australian roll out.

In SA, all public high school students must switch their devices off or onto flight mode and put them away during school hours, in break times and on school excursions.

The rollout of the policy is being supported through the State Budget with $515,000 to assist schools with practical requirements such as pouches, lockers or other infrastructure to implement the policy.

The policy specifically bans all personal devices with the capability to connect to internet networks including mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, but does not apply to school-owned technologies or learning devices brought under Bring Your Own Device programs.