Victoria Is Banning Phones From All Public Schools in 2020

Switching to Airplane mode is no longer good enough.

We hate to break it to you, but students across Victoria will soon have to switch off their mobile phones and leave them in their lockers during class as part of a state-wide ban in public schools.

They won't be able to use their phones during recess or lunch, either. And this extends from students in prep to Year 12.

Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said in a statement, "This will remove a major distraction from our classrooms, so that teachers can teach, and students can learn in a more focused, positive and supported environment."

He also suggested that keeping phones out of students’ hands during school hours would limit cyberbullying.

Though the Victorian government’s decision only extends to public schools, beginning in 2020, other schools have already implemented the ban.

The decision reportedly came from concerns raised by parents and teachers alike. However, some parents may not be happy with the suggestion that, to reach their children in case of an emergency, they will now have to call the school directly.

There is also the question that maybe phones, like tablets, could actually be used to engage students in their learning. Will decoupling them from young people have the desired result?

Nonetheless, the ban is happening, starting from Term One in 2020, with the policy set to be reviewed by the end of the school year. No doubt schools across the country, and other state governments, will be watching closely.

In the meantime, what do you reckon about a state-wide ban on phones in schools? Will it help you focus, or be more of a distraction? Sound off in the comments below!

Header Image: iStock.com/skynesher