The South Australian Government has taken action to ensure learning is the focus at schools, with a mobile phone ban in high schools starting this year.
The banning of mobile phones aims to reduce the inappropriate use of phones at schools, including instances of bullying and violence. The policy will improve the overall learning environment, reducing screen time and encouraging physical activity during breaks.
Individual schools will be required to transition to the new policy by the end of term two. From the start of term three all secondary students will be required to keep their devices off or in flight mode and away while at school or on school excursions.
About 20 schools will implement the policy from Term 1, with a further 25 schools already having the policy in place at their sites.
As part of the new curriculum to roll out in all schools from 2024, the SA Government will place a stronger focus on teaching students to be responsible users of technology and on respectful relationships.
The new policy includes exemptions to cater for individual circumstances. Those exceptions will provide for students who require their device for medical reasons, students with disabilities or learning difficulties who use their devices as a learning support, and for students who use their phones for the translation of English if it isn’t their first language.
The introduction of the policy, which is in line with the current rules for primary schools, follows an extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and students, the South Australian Primary and Secondary Principals’ Associations and parent associations.
Considerations, as part of the consultation, included storage options for schools, how young people could be supported in learning about using devices safely and ethically, and exemption options.
The rules will apply to mobile phones and other personal devices with the capability to connect to the internet or phone networks, such as smartwatches and tablets, but will not include school-owned resources or devices brought by students under a school’s bring your own device program .
Premier Peter Malinauskas says that quality education for young people is critical for the state’s future.
“Phones in the classroom are a distraction. At worst, they can become a tool that facilitates bullying, harassment and anti-social behavior. We know not everyone will like this phone, but it’s backed up by strong research, and is the right thing to do.”
Minister for Education Blair Boyer says that the ban will be a turning point for schools.
“Research shows that excessive use of technology and social media can have detrimental impacts on developing minds and identifying strong correlations with increased depression and anxiety.
“The trials undertaken in this policy, and through extensive consultation, show considerable improvements to schools’ overall culture, a focus on learning and improved relationships among students.”
High schools that will implement the policy from Term 1 include:
· Aberfoyle Park High School
· Craigmore High School
· Eastern Fleurieu R-12 School (for their secondary cohort)
· Findon High School
· Gladstone High School
· Jamestown Community School
· Karoonda Area School (for their secondary cohort)
· Kaurna Plains School (for their secondary cohort)
· Le Fevre High School
· Marryatville High School
· Millicent High School
· Naracoorte High School
· Para Hills High School
· Paralowie R-12 School (for their secondary cohort)
· Salisbury East High School
· Salisbury High School
· Seaview High School
· Underdale High School
· Yankalilla Area School (already in place for R-11, extending to Year 12)
Schools that have already implemented a ban of mobile phones at their site include:
· Aldinga Payinthi College
· Balaclava High School
· Berri Regional Secondary College
· Blackwood High School
· Bordertown High School
· Clare High School
· Cleve Area School
· Coomandook Area School
· Cummins Area School
· Elliston Area School
· Goolwa Secondary College
· Kangaroo Inn Area School
· Keith Area School
· Kimba Area School
· Kingston Community School
· Lock Area School
· Loxton High School
· Meningie Area School
· Mount Compass Area School
· Norwood International High School
· Parafield Gardens High School
· Penola High School
· Port Lincoln High School
· Renmark High School
· Tintinara Area School
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