Parents in Queensland will receive training on the state’s plan to ban mobile phones and smartwatches in schools starting next year. This move is part of a national approach to mobile phone use, bringing Queensland in line with the rest of the country.
Education Minister Grace Grace announced that parents will have two terms to adjust to the ban. The ban will be implemented from term one in 2024, and it will apply throughout the entire school day, including break times. Ms. Grace emphasized the importance of a uniform approach and stated that guidelines would be developed in consultation with school communities, including parents.
The ban builds on the previous policies of many state schools, which had already implemented some form of mobile phone restrictions. Ms. Grace highlighted that over 95 percent of schools had clear policies prohibiting phone use during class, while the remaining schools had informal restrictions. This new ban aims to establish a consistent and comprehensive approach across all state schools.
The decision to ban mobile phones and smartwatches is aligned with the recommendations of the Anti-Cyberbullying 2018 Taskforce. The taskforce identified the negative impact of mobile phone usage on cyberbullying and classroom distractions. As a result, all state schools have been required to outline their strategies for managing mobile phones, including addressing these concerns.
In addition to implementing the ban, the Queensland government has appointed Cheryl Vardon, a former family and child commissioner, to review the policy. Her report, expected later this month, will provide valuable insights and recommendations for the successful implementation of the ban.
Ms. Grace emphasized the importance of educating parents, students, and teachers about the ban. The government will provide two terms for this purpose, allowing for the development of implementation guidelines. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders understand the rationale behind the ban and how it will be enforced.
It is worth noting that students will still be allowed to bring their phones to school to contact their parents or caregivers immediately before or after school. Exemptions from the ban will also be available in specific circumstances, particularly for health and well-being purposes. This recognizes that there may be instances where students require access to their phones for important reasons.
Moreover, Ms. Grace expressed her commitment to collaborating with other education ministers to establish consistent guidelines across all states and territories. This will ensure that the approach to mobile phone use in schools is uniformly applied throughout the country, promoting a safer and more focused learning environment for students.
In conclusion, Queensland’s plan to ban mobile phones and smartwatches in state schools starting next year aims to create a consistent national approach to mobile phone use. Parents will receive training and have two terms to adjust to the ban. The ban will cover the entire school day, including break times, and guidelines will be developed in consultation with school communities. The ban builds on existing policies and aligns with efforts to address cyberbullying and classroom distractions. The government has appointed Cheryl Vardon to review the policy, and education ministers from across the country will work together to establish consistent guidelines. The goal is to educate all stakeholders and ensure a safer and more focused learning environment for students.
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