A new campaign to build awareness in the community about why it is so important to ban mobile phones in public high schools has been launched today.

The campaign will highlight the importance of ensuring technology is not a barrier to the education of our students.

The policy, requiring that students’ mobile phones be ‘off and away’ at school, comes into place in all public high schools from the start of Term 3.

The awareness campaign will see advertising run across a range of mediums throughout the year and will highlight the value of phones being switched off while school is underway.

It will also feature a dedicated webpage, phonesoff.sa.gov.au, to learn more about the policy and answer any frequently asked questions.

Research shows that technology and social media can have detrimental impacts on developing minds and identifies strong correlations between extensive use of technology and increased depression and anxiety.

Schools that have already implemented the ban, have reported that they have already seen a reduction in the inappropriate use of mobile phones by students, and an improvement in the overall learning environment – while reducing screentime and encouraging physical activity during breaks.

About 30 per cent of schools have chosen to have the policy in place by Term 1 of this year.

Salisbury East High School Deputy Principal Sue Shepherd said the outcomes of the policy rollout have been very encouraging, with teachers already noticing changes in behaviour, particularly at break times.

“Students are more engaged with each other, with teachers and with activities – there’s a really nice vibe in the yard.”

“We will continue to build on the policy, by considering storage options, such as Yondr pouches, but overall, we are pleased with the outcomes to date.”