A ban on mobile phones at public high schools, introduced in 2023, continues to show huge improvements in student behaviour and wellbeing.

New data has been released as the mobile phone ‘off and away’ policy reached the two-year anniversary of its full introduction.

Department incident reporting shows a 72% decline in matters related to mobile phones in terms 1 and 2 of 2025, compared to the same period in 2023 (before the ban was in place).

This statistic represents reported matters centred on students not complying with the policy or overall behaviour involving phones, along with a reduction in issues involving social media such as cyberbullying, circulation of explicit content or other concerning online behaviours.

Issues related to social media have seen a huge drop of about 80.5% from when the policy was implemented in January to June 2023 (154 down to 30). And behaviour issues have also decreased by 60.3% (111 down to 44) during this same period.

Analysis shows most of the issues reported in these categories have taken place off site or outside of school hours.

South Australia has the nation’s strongest mobile phone ban – ‘off and away’ for the whole day, including during breaks. This has played a significant role in helping with anti-social behaviour at schools and reducing incidents.

Building on the ban, students will receive updated education about online safety, risks of inappropriate engagement, and how to get support around digital safety and appropriate use of devices.

Additionally, more students are feeling a greater sense of wellbeing and school connectedness, according to the most recent Wellbeing and Engagement Collection (WEC) student survey.

About 88,800 (73%) South Australian public school students took part in the survey across 476 schools. Of those surveyed, 61% reported feeling strongly connected to school in 2025 – an increase from 59% in 2022.

In 2025, high wellbeing related to school connectedness rose to 54% (from 51% in 2023) for students in years 7-9, and to 58% (from 54% in 2023) for students in years 10-12.

Charles Campbell College Principal Kevin O’Neil said, at Charles Campbell College, we understand the significant role that wellbeing has on student learning and engagement.

“For several years now, we have used the student wellbeing survey results to develop a whole-school wellbeing plan with input from the students themselves”.

“Our students have really embraced the opportunity to have a voice at the table, and staff are seeing the benefits both in the classroom and the school yard”, Mr. O’Neil said.

This indicates a meaningful improvement in students’ experiences at school, in age groups where connectedness can traditionally decline.

Of those surveyed, 42% reported a strong sense of school belonging in 2025, an increase from 39% in 2023.

The results reflect a range of wellbeing measures introduced in SA schools – most notably, the mobile phone ban – but also the $50 million investment in 100 mental health and learning support specialists in schools, and the appointment of more than 400 Autism Inclusion Teachers across primary schools.