Phones off while school's on

The State Government is banning mobile phones in all public high schools.

The education and wellbeing of our next generation is one of the government’s priorities. That’s why we’re banning mobile phones in all public high schools.

From term 3 2023, all public high schools will have mobile phone bans in place.

Read the Department for Education's updated mobile phone policy (PDF 682.8KB).

Here's what you need to know:

Why ban phones in schools?
Are there exemptions to the ban?
When will the ban begin?
How can I communicate with my child at school?
What if there's an emergency?
What does this mean for my school?
More information on device safety

Why ban phones in schools?

We want to create the best possible learning environment for our students. To do this, students must feel safe and want to engage.

While mobile phones offer us lots of benefits, they can impact the safety and wellbeing of students when used inappropriately. Banning the use of mobile phones during school hours helps us to limit the negative impact from inappropriate use and reduces unnecessary distractions in classrooms to help both teachers and students focus on learning. It also encourages students to use breaks as quality time away from screens.

Smart watches, tablets and other personal devices are included in the ban. More information is available on the mobile phone and personal device policy page.

Are there exemptions to the ban?

Yes, there are exemptions. Each school can approve exemptions in exceptional circumstances.

Your school principal is responsible for assessing and granting any exceptions on a case-by-case basis for reasons such as:

to monitor or help manage a health condition
as a negotiated adjustment to a learning program for a student with disability or learning difficulties
to help translate information in the classroom by a student with English as an additional language
where there are extenuating personal circumstances which require them to have ready access to their personal device, such as being a parent themselves or a primary carer to a younger sibling or an unwell family member.

Individual schools can also choose to permit student use of personal devices in certain learning circumstances or for other agreed, positive purposes.

Read detailed information on how and when exemptions may be granted.

When will the ban start?

By term 3, all schools will have the ban in place. Many schools have already started to transition to the new policy.

Your school will let you know about any changes and when they will start.

How can I communicate with my child at school?

Use your school’s formal communication channels in all instances during school hours. This includes where a student requires early collection from school. Speak to your school directly for more information about these channels.

Students still can use their phone before schools starts and at the end of the school day.

What if there's an emergency?

Parents and guardians should use the school’s formal communication channels. Students should be encouraged to always report to a school staff member in the first instance if they become unwell or experience an issue at school.

Schools will communicate directly with families wherever needed.

What does this mean for me and my school?

Each school will update their own policy to align to the new state-wide ban.

Your school’s local policies will include where phones need be stored during school hours, what happens if a student doesn’t follow the policy, and when mobile phone use may be permitted by their teacher or other exemptions. Schools will continue using their existing local policy until they are ready to start using the updated policy.

Students can continue to bring their mobile phones to school to ensure their safety while travelling to and from school or so they can be contacted before or after school hours.