Mobile phones, smartwatches to be banned in state schools in Australia's Queensland

SYDNEY - Mobile phones and certain wearable electronic devices like smartwatches will be banned at all state schools in Australia's Queensland during school hours, including break times from Term 1 in 2024, reported Xinhua.

Queensland Education Department announced the statewide ban on Friday.

"From Term 1, 2024, mobile phones will need to be 'away for the day' in all Queensland state schools, building on the excellent work of our principals and school leaders to date," said the state's education minister Grace Grace.

The department said students are still able to bring phones to school so that they can contact their parents or carers immediately before or after school hours.

Exemptions will also be available for digital learning opportunities or in specific circumstances, including reasons related to health and well-being.

Over 95 per cent of schools have had a clear policy banning the use of phones during class times, with the remaining schools restricting usage informally, according to the department.

"This statewide ban will provide uniformity, extend bans to break times, and include certain wearable devices like smartwatches," said Grace.

The department also appointed former Queensland Family and Child Commissioner Cheryl Vardon to conduct an independent review of the current phone-in-school policy. - Bernama