Is Your School Banning Mobile Phones in 2020? Here's What You Need to Know

Kiss your mobile phone goodbye.

There has been a lot of debate as to whether or not schools should ban students from using mobile phones. Some teachers believe prohibiting mobile phone usage would help combat issues such as cyberbullying and image-abuse, while others think mobile phones play an important role in developing digital literacy skills.

However, despite the different arguments raging on, some states have already picked a side, deciding to ban personal devices in public schools. In December last year, NSW revealed its plan to restrict the use of mobile devices in public primary schools, while this year, both Victoria and Western Australia made the call to ban them outright in state schools.  

With the ban being implemented differently in each state, it can be a bit tricky to figure out what'll apply to you. (And if you go to a private school, it'll ultimately just depend on your school's leadership.)

So, let's take a look at the situation from state to state.

New South Wales

If you’re a NSW student, mobile phones are completely banned from public primary schools during school hours. Public high schools have a choice to opt into the restriction or pursue an approach that suits their school.

Victoria

The ban in Victoria is stricter than in NSW. Starting from term one in 2020, students from public primary and secondary schools will have to switch off their phones and keep them in lockers during school hours, including lunchtime.

Although some schools in Victoria had already banned mobile phones, the new regulations will impose a statewide ban in government schools.

Western Australia

Earlier this week, WA announced a mobile phone ban to be introduced in all public primary and secondary schools across the state. It largely mirrors the ban in Victoria, and will also be implemented in 2020.  

Kindergarten and primary school students will not be allowed to bring their mobile devices to school at all, while high school students will need to keep them switched off. Students won’t be able to use their phones during breaks, and the ban also restricts usage of smart watches, earbuds, tablets and headphones.

At the moment, NSW, VIC and WA are the only states to ban mobile phones from public schools. Each state has processes for students with disabilities who rely on the use of their mobile device. 

Students in VIC and WA, you might want to mentally prepare yourselves by putting your phone away over the summer holidays. 

Header Image: iStock.com/Tom Merton