Independent schools support multi-device blanket ban

THE state government has announced new legislation that will extend its public school mobile phone ban, introduced in 2020, to private schools.

The regulations will also cover wearable devices including smart watches and wireless earbuds and will take effect on 28 January next year, with Victoria to become the first state to impose the restrictions.

An independent evaluation of the initial public school ban found students had become more focused in class and more social during breaks, with schools also reporting fewer critical incidents involving phones.

It said expanding the ban to other devices will further limit distractions in classrooms and keep students safe.

Under the new laws, all mobile phones must be switched off and stored away from first to final bell, while wearable devices will be required to have their notifications, cellular connections and recording functions switched off.

Personal audio devices also can’t be used during school hours, although exceptions will apply for students who require devices to monitor health conditions.

Independent Schools Victoria chief executive Rachel Holthouse acknowledged the government’s efforts to balance access to electronic devices with the need to support positive learning environments and student wellbeing.

“The announcement reinforces the work many are already doing, with independent school leaders regularly reviewing the role of technology in their classrooms and broader school environments,” she said.

Closer to home, Kennington’s Victory Christian College first introduced restricted use of mobile phones for students more than ten years ago.

Its deputy principal Chris Harvey said the Victoria-wide approach will help create a common foundation for all.

“It will also give us flexibility to be discerning about when and when not to use digital technologies in the classroom,” he said.

“It will also be great to see kids conversing more with each other, without every interaction being mediated by technology.”