The State Government has taken strong action to ensure learning is the focus at schools, with the mobile phone ban in high schools starting this year.

The banning of mobile phones is focused on reducing the inappropriate use of phones at schools, including instances of bullying and violence. The policy will improve the overall learning environment, reducing screentime 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 State Government will place a stronger focus on teaching students to be responsible users of technology and on respectful relationships.

The new policy include 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.

“We chose to implement the new policy from the start of the year because we want to set the tone and culture of phones being off and away from the start of the school year for our 1300 students”, said Seaview High School Principal Penny Tranter.

“At Seaview High School each student will be given a lockable pouch to store their phone (and electronic devices) in, and there will be 22 unlocking stations installed around the school perimeter. As part of the induction process for each student, the use of the pouches will be demonstrated and practised.

“We have engaged with our school community about the policy on a number of occasions, and so far we’ve had a really positive response. The policy also has strong support from our staff.

“We have formal communication processes available so that families can get in touch with their child during school hours if necessary. Likewise, we can contact parents directly in relation to their child if there is an urgent issue.”