Literature review on cell phone ban in
schools
Background on the proposed ban
1.
On 9 August 2023, the leader of the National Party (National), Christopher Luxon, announced
National “wil ban cell phone use at schools to help lift achievement and support every child to
make the most out of the education”. This is part of National’s 100-day action plan. 
2.
The press release indicated schools would be able to decide how to enforce the ban with
examples given of requiring students to hand in their phones or leave them in their lockers or
bags. Parents would be able to contact their children via the school office and there would be
exceptions for some students as mentioned above. The ban would be implemented via
regulations with school deciding on practical arrangements.
Method
3.
The press release from National referred to UNESCO report and other studies in the United
Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). Other evidence used in this review
includes a range of materials form studies, articles, and government publications on the
banning of mobile phones in schools.
Background to mandatory bans of mobile phones in schools
When did mobile phones in schools become a problem?
4.
The first smartphone, the iPhone, was introduced in 2007. The use and ownership of
smartphones by school aged children and young people has expanded rapidly since then.
under the Offical Information Act 1982
According to a literature review by the New South Wales (NSW) government, as at 2016 9 out
of 10 Australian teens aged 14 to 17 own a smartphone and 67% of primary school-aged
children own their own mobile screen-based device.1 The use of digital technology (including
individually owned devices such as smartphones, smartwatches and personal tablets) in
schools has become increasingly prevalent both in Australia and internationally.2
1
Impact of mobile digital devices in schools - Literature Review (nsw.gov.au) and Roy Morgan ‘9 in 10
Released
Aussie teens now have a mobile (and most are already on to their second or subsequent handset)’, Roy
Morgan, Australia, viewed 28 September 2018, http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6929-
australianteenagers-and-their-mobile-phones-june-2016-201608220922, and Royal Children’s Hospital
Melbourne 2017, Australian Child Health Poll 2017, report prepared by Dr. A Rhodes.
2
Impact of mobile digital devices in schools - Literature Review (nsw.gov.au)
Memo
Methods and outcomes of bans mixed
5.
A table of jurisdictions that ban or restrict the use of mobile phones in schools is in Annex 1.
According to a 2023 UNESCO study on technology in schools (the UNESCO study), one in
seven OECD countries ban the use of mobile phones by law with more using policy, plans,
strategy or guidelines to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools.  There is a mix of
regulatory tools used to ban mobile phones. There is also a mix of outcomes from these bans
or restrictions.
6.
A legislative mandatory ban may not be warranted. According to the UNESCO study: 3
“Banning technology from schools can be legitimate if technology integration does not
improve learning or if it worsens student well-being. Yet, working with technology in
schools, and the accompanying risks, may require something more than banning. First,
policies should be clear on what is and is not permitted in schools. Second, there should be
clarity on the role these new technologies play in learning and on their responsible use by
and within schools. Third, students need to learn the risks and opportunities that come with
technology, develop critical skil s, and understand to live with and without technology.”
Findings from literature on purpose of mandatory bans
7.
Governments pursue two main goals with this type of policy intervention: improving academic
performance and reducing bullying. Any restriction on the use of mobile phones needs to
consider the growing importance of technology for students.
Reduce distraction, improve student achievement
8.
The UNESCO study found the use of smartphones and computers disrupts classroom and
home learning activity. According to this study, evidence shows a negative link between
excessive ICT use and student performance. The study says: “[m]ere proximity to a mobile
device was found to distract students and to have a negative impact on learning in 14
countries, yet less than one in four have banned smartphone use in schools”. 4
9.
A longitudinal study by the London School of Economics (the UK longitudinal study) analysed
the gains in test scores before and after mobile phone bans were introduced in schools and
found the bans resulted in positive effects on student achievement. This study involving
students in 91 UK high schools in 2015 found that there was an improvement in student
under the Offical Information Act 1982
performance of 6.41% of a standard deviation in schools that banned mobile phones. The
researchers estimated this corresponded to an extra working week to the school year. They
found there were no significant gains in student performance if a ban is not widely complied
with. 
10.
A study on the effect of banning smartphones in the classroom on students’ educational
outcomes in Norwegian middle schools, showed that the banning policies significantly
increased students’ grade point average and increased their likelihood of attending an
academic high school track. 
Released
3 Ibid p 157.
4 World Economic Forum UNESCO “Technology in education: a tool on whose terms” (2023) p 4, available at
unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385723/PDF/385723eng.pdf.multi
2
11. In 2018 the New South Wales Department of Education did a review of the impact of mobile
phones in schools (NSW review).5 The NSW review team surveyed students, parents and
carers, and teachers and received almost 14,000 responses. 6 The reviewers also did a
literature review, held focus groups, did interviews, and received written submissions. The
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consensus was that mobile devices are often a distraction in the classroom, especially in
primary schools.  Some teachers thought a significant amount of time was wasted managing
mobile devices in the classroom, which diminished the time spent delivering the syllabus. 
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12. On the other hand, Dr Joanne Orlando, a digital expert at the University of Western Sydney,
says research indicated phone bans does not improve academic outcomes, largely because
students were rarely using phones during class.7 Dr Orlando cites the 2020 Swedish study that
examined high school students grade marks before and after a yearlong mobile phone ban
and found no impact on academic performance.8
13. The Alberta Teachers’ Association did a survey in 2005 of 2,200 teachers and principals. 9
Two-thirds of teachers said they felt that digital technology was a growing distraction in class
for students, and more than half said that they themselves felt distracted. More than three-
quarters of teachers surveyed also said that they felt students were having more difficulty
focusing in school, and about two-thirds of educators said more students were coming to
school sleepy. 
Information
14. A Spanish study in 2022 (the Spanish study) used empirical data of two regions, Galicia, and
Castilla La Mancha, to look at the impact of a non-spending-based policy intervention directly
aimed at enhancing academic outcomes and, simultaneously, students’ social behaviour. 10
This study compared the two regions where the policy was implemented with the rest of
regions in Spain before and after the intervention took place. It found a ban of mobile phones
had significant effects on the PISA scores of the Galicia region that are equivalent to 0.6–0.8
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years of learning in maths and around 0.72 to near one year of learning in sciences.11 The
detrimental effects of mobile phones in schools are explained because multi-tasking or task-
the
5
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
under
6
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
7 Dr Joanne Orlando “Another school has banned mobile phones but research shows bans don’t stop
bullying or improve student grades” (11 August 202
2) Another school has banned mobile phones but
research shows bans don’t stop bul ying or improve student grades — Dr Joanne Orlando | Digital Wellbeing
Specialist
8 Kessel, D., Hardardottir, H.L. and Tyrefors, B. (2020), “The impact of banning mobile phones in Swedish
secondary schools”, Economics of Education Review, Vol. 77, p. 102009.
9
Impact of mobile digital devices in schools - Literature Review (nsw.gov.au) and Alberta Teachers’
Association 2015, Growing up Digital, Alberta, report prepared by The Alberta Teachers’ Association,
University of Alberta, Boston Children’s Hospital, Center on Media and Child Health, & Harvard Medical
Released
School.
10 Pilar Beneito & Óscar Vicente-Chirivella, 2022. "Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from
regional-level policies in Spain," Applied Economic Analysis, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(90),
pages 153-175, January.
11 Ibid.
3
switching decrease learning.12 For example, notifications on the smartphone are a constant
distraction limiting students’ attention during class and/or study time.
15. The Spanish study found that even if mobile phones are used to structured activities, allowing
them in schools opens the door to be used for recreational purposes as well, thus generating 1982
distraction.
Reduce bullying, improve mental wellbeing
Act
16. According to the NSW, there are concerns about the impact of digital devices, such as mobile
phones, on the interactions between students including bullying, exposure to harmful material,
mental and physical health, and disruption to schoolwork. 
Bullying
17. There is little research on the relationship between the use of mobile phones and bullying in
schools. It is estimated that cyberbullying represents around 20 percent of bullying cases
according to a 2020 article.13 Smartphones are one of the main conduits for bullying among
children.14 Although there is not a lot of evidence, a 2020 paper found that banning mobile
phones have the potential to reduce bullying amount middle-school students.15 The NSW
Information
review team, however, found that there is no credible, peer-reviewed literature about the
extent to which the presence of mobile phones in recess and lunchtime increases the incidents
of cyberbullying.16
18. Due to the nature of cyberbullying, it is It is difficult to determine the extent to which mobile
phones in schools influence cyberbullying. With increased access to, and use of, information
and communication technologies, such as mobile digital devices, there is an increased risk of
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students being cyberbullied and cyberbullying others.17 The NSW Commission for Children
and Young People found cyberbullying is seen as a new form of an old problem, rather than
because of internet use itself. 
the
19. The NSW review team referred to a report from the eSafety Commissioner which found one in
four students under the age of 12 are being stalked, harassed, and abused online.  Although
mobile phones themselves do not cause bullying, they are connected to the issues of attitude,
relationships, respect, and culture. 18 From their survey they found that mobile devices – and,
in particular, social media and messaging applications – were seen by some young people
under
12 Pilar Beneito & Óscar Vicente-Chirivella, 2022. "Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from
regional-level policies in Spain," Applied Economic Analysis, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 30(90),
pages 153-175, January.
13 Cook, S. (2020), “Cyberbullying facts and statistics for 2020”, Website Comparitech.com. Updated:
November (11), 2020, available at: www.comparitech.com/internet-providers/ cyberbullying-statistics/
14 Adams, M. (2019), “Threading the Cyber-Needle: protecting children by banning smartphones in school
while stil embracing technology”, McGeorge L. Rev, Vol. 51, p. 245.
15 Abrahamsson, S. (2020), “Distraction or teaching tool: do smartphone bans in schools help students?”,
Released
available at: https://sites.google.com/view/saraabrahamsson/research
16
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
17 Vaillancourt, T, Faris, R, Mishna, F 2017, ‘Cyberbullying in children and youth: Implications for health and
clinical practice’, Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 62, no. 6, pp.368-373.
18
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
4
and teachers as amplifying existing bullying problems within a school community.19 Overall,
the review team noted that the evidence from young people and peer reviewed literature is
that the presence of smartphones in schools at recess and lunchtime may increase the
incidence of bullying and image-based abuse with significant short-, medium- and long-term 1982
impacts on the mental health of young people.20
20. A report by the University of Queensland in April 2023 drawing on national and international
evidence noted: 
•
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a lack of agreement within research as to the efficacy of banning mobile devices at
school as a universal strategy to reduce cyberbullying;
• restricting access (for example requiring students to lock phones in lockers, and
blocking access to social media platforms on school-owned technology) has been
introduced in some jurisdictions to reduce the impact of distractions from technology
during learning times; and
• that the suggestion of ‘bans’ may be overly simplistic and do not sufficiently address
addiction to technology, digital distraction, or rates of cyberbullying.
21. The Spanish study found the ban of mobile phones in two regions in Spain showed noticeable
Information
reductions of bullying incidence among teenagers in the two regions.  This is, according to
the authors, the first empirical study analysing the impact of mobile phone bans in schools on
bullying cases, exploiting variation across regions (or other units), years and age intervals. 
22. On the other hand, Dr Joanne Orlando from the University of Western Sydney says research
tell us traditional (in person) bullying continues to be more prevalent than cyberbullying so
removing a device for six hours a day will not stop the bullying. 
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Wellbeing
23. Evidence shows a link between the increased of digital technologies by young people and their
the
wellbeing. Research conducted by the Gonski Institute for Education in 2020 found that nine
out of 10 teachers and principals in Australia have seen an increase in the number of students
with emotional, social, and behavioural challenges compared to just five years ago. The report
stated that “although the report noted the apparent deterioration in students’ health, wellbeing
and enthusiasm for learning cannot be directly linked with their increased use of digital
technologies –it is “most likely the case”21.
under
24. A 2017 US study found an association between growing rates of ‘new media’ (electronic
device use and social media) screen time and a rise in mental health issues.  The study
examined the results of two nationally representative surveys of over 506,000 US teenagers in
Years 8 to 12. It found that young people who spent more time on new media were more likely
to report mental health issues including depression, suicide, and suicide-related outcomes
than young people who spent more time on non-screen activities such as in-person social
interaction, sports, and homework. 
Released
19 Ibid.
20
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
21 Gonski Institute for Education “Growing Up Digital Australia: Phase 1 Technical report (2020)
Growing Up
Digital Australia | Gonski Institute for Education - UNSW Sydney
5
25. According to the UNESCO study the use of technology is associated with negative impacts on
physical and mental well-being and increased susceptibility to online risks and harms, which
affect academic performance in the long term.” 
26. The Queensland Government commissioned an independent review into the student mobile 1982
phone use in Queensland state schools in 2023. According to the paper by Cheryl Vardon
three guiding principles for the review were: 
• protecting learning environments from unnecessary distractions
•
Act
safeguarding the wellbeing of all students
• supporting principal autonomy to recognise student and school community needs in
policy implementation.
Benefits of mobile device use
27. The reviews and studies also found positive aspects to the student use of mobile phones. The
NSW review team noted that according to international research, under the right
circumstances, digital media can powerfully support children’s and young people’s mental
health and wellbeing.  Research shows that while greater access to technology potentially
exposes children to a greater risk of harm, it also exposes them to greater opportunities,
Information
including that of increasing their digital literacy. 
28. The NSW review team found that mobile devices can be powerful education tools when used
responsibly and increasingly children are learning and documenting their learning in formats
other than traditional reading and writing.22 Mobile devices can assist with monitoring health
and/or mental health conditions; promote connection to communities of support; and
encourage help-seeking practices among groups who do not usually reach out for support.23
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They concluded that young people from an early age need to be equipped with the skills,
knowledge and strategies to use these new technologies in a safe, responsible and informed
way.24
the
29. The NSW review team acknowledged, however, that the majority of parents, teachers and
many students did not perceive a genuine educational use for mobile devices.25 Both students
and educators noted that, when there was reliable, good quality, regular access to iPad, tablet,
laptop, or desktop technology, mobile device access was seen as having minimal additional
educational value.26 In schools where the quality of connectivity, or the availability of desktops
under
and laptops, was not always optimal, mobile devices may, however, represent the most viable
option for connected learning.27
30. The Spanish study also found the use of mobile devices is not necessarily detrimental for
education when correctly designed. For example, the use of certain Apps could make children
more involved in their learning process and increase the enjoyment from studying. 
22
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
Released
23 Ibid.
24
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
25
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
26 Ibid.
27 Ibid.
6
Components to consider for a regulatory ban
Whether the restrictions should be mandatory or optional
31. National’s proposed ban is for nation-wide mandatory ban. Currently schools can restrict
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student use of cell phones through making bylaws (rules). This allows schools to decide
whether to have restrictions to meet the circumstances of their school.
32. A review for the Queensland Government in 2023 did a survey of students, educators, parents
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and carers, experts, and other interested members of the community. From the 1261
responses (97.7% of all schools) 86.5% implemented a full restriction where mobile phones
are stored away for the day. 7.7% applied a partial restriction which allowed mobile phones to
be accessed and used during approved times (e.g. lunch breaks). Despite most schools
already banning mobile phones, the review report said “there was an overwhelming response
from the stakeholders we heard from that, whatever the outcome of this review, a clear and
consistent policy across all Queensland state schools is urgently needed” .
Cell phones, smartphones, or mobile devices?
33. National’s proposed ban is for cell phones. As seen in Annex 2 other jurisdictions refer to
Information
mobile phones, mobile digital devices, smart phones, smart watches, tablets, and other
personal devices.
34. According to a review of smartphones in classes by the New South Wales (NSW) government
the term ‘mobile digital device’ means: 
Mobile digital device: a hand-held electronic device that can generate, receive, store,
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process and send digital information, including photos and videos. For the purposes of
this review, mobile digital devices include smartphones, smartwatches, and mobile
tablets but not laptops. The review team make a distinction between personal use
devices that often have independent internet connectivity which bypasses the school
the
internet filter and devices that are provided by the school and or authorised by the
school as part of teacher-directed educational activities.
35. One issue is whether the ban should just be for mobile phones or for other mobile devices.
Appendix 2 shows a mix of banning just mobile phones and banning mobile phones as well as
other devices such as smart watches and personal iPads.
under
36. The NSW review team was not in favour of banning the use of technology in the form of
desktops, laptops, and tablets if they have school-provided filters that offer students some
level of protection, as well as opportunities for positive classroom learning. 
Practical issues on how to implement and how to enforce
37. Annex 2 shows there are a variety of ways to enforce a mandatory ban of mobile phones.
Western Australia and Northern Territory in Australia restrict younger children from having
mobile phones in their possession while older children can have their phones, but they must
Released
be turned off. Queensland decided to work closely with schools on how to best implement the
ban in a way that reflects the realities of their school. For example, a small school in the
outback may require students to hand phones in to a nominated staff member, while a school
with thousands of students may choose to use lockable pouches.
7
38. The NSW review team found that policies which restrict use of mobile devises are both
manageable and enforceable.28 They recommended NSW Government resource facilities to
ensure the safe storage of children’s mobile devices in government primary schools during
school hours.29 The NSW Government did not support this and instead provides advice to
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primary schools on the way different schools are managing devices, including storage.
Exceptions to a ban
Act
39. National’s policy is to have the following three exceptions for the mandatory ban: 30
• The use of cell phones in class for an educational purpose that is part of a student’s
schoolwork.
• Students who need to use their cell phone for a health purpose will be granted an
exemption.
• Students with learning challenges, who are aided by cell phones, will be granted an
exemption.
40. Annex 2 shows a mix of exceptions from jurisdictions with mandatory bans. Ontario and
France have similar exceptions as proposed by National. South Australia new ban in high
schools allows school principals to approve exemptions in exceptional circumstances on a
Information
case-by-case basis, including for:
• to monitor or help manage a health condition
• as a negotiated adjustment to a learning program for a student with disability or learning
difficulties
• to help translate information in the classroom by a student with English as an additional
language
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• where there are extenuating personal circumstances which require them to have ready
access to their personal device, such as being a parent themselves or a primary carer to a
younger sibling or an unwell family member.
the
41. The NSW review team noted that many parents regard their child having a smartphone as an
essential communication tool, especially going to and from school. The review team
recommended that, where a parent wishes their child to take a smartphone to and from a
primary school, they should opt either to purchase a ‘dumb’ phone or other device without
internet access or a camera, or alternatively use parental controls to deactivate the camera
under
and internet functionality on an existing ‘smart’ device. 
All levels, or just younger children?
42. Annex 2 shows some jurisdictions apply the ban from preschool to the end of school (e.g.
Northern Territory), while others just applied a ban to primary schools (e.g. NSW although high
schools will be included in late 2023).
Released
28 Ibid.
29
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
30 Christopher Luxton, National “National wil ban cell phone use at school” (9 August 2023, National press release)
National will ban cell phone use at school - New Zealand National Party
8
43. The NSW review team stopped short of recommending a restriction on smartphones for
secondary schools but offered several approaches that schools could adopt based on their
circumstances.31 Their reasoning was that students in Year 11 and 12 demonstrate greater
capacity for self-regulation than their younger peers and that schools should therefore provide
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these students with opportunities to develop self-control in the context of limiting smartphone
use to specific times and specific places.32
Act
Information
Offical
the
under
Released
31 Ibid.
32 Ibid.
9
References
Reviews & articles
1982
UNESCO report: “Technology in education: a tool on whose terms” (2023) is available at
unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385723/PDF/385723eng.pdf.multi
New South Wales Government on the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools
Act
Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools – report
Dany Kessel, Hulda Lif Hardardottir and Björn Tyrefors, Research Institute Industrial Economics,
“The Impact of Banning Mobile Phones in Swedish Secondary Schools” (IFN working Paper No.
1288, 2019) wp1288.pdf (ifn.se)
Beland, L & Murphy, R 2015, Ill communication: Technology, distraction and student performance,
CEP discussion paper no. 1350, Centre for Economic Performance, London, Microsoft Word -
Mobile Phones May2015v6 (lse.ac.uk)
Information
Pilar Beneito & Óscar Vicente-Chirivella, 2022. "Banning mobile phones in schools: evidence from
regional-level policies in Spain," Applied Economic Analysis, Emerald Group Publishing Limited,
vol. 30(90), pages 153-175, January
France: Government Adopts Law Banning Cell Phone Use at School | Library of Congress
(loc.gov)
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Media
Amy Wiggins “School cell phone ban: Mixed evidence around the use of technology in schools” (9
the
August 2023, New Zealand Herald)
School cell phone ban: Mixed evidence around the use of
technology in schools - NZ Herald
Brett Rowland and Tom Gantert “Cell phone bans in public schools are trending nationwide” (27
October 2022, The Center Square)
Cell phone bans in public schools are trending nationwide |
under
National | thecentersquare.com
University of Gothenburg “Mobile phone ban in school does not work” (13 December 2022)
Mobile
phone ban in school does not work | University of Gothenburg (gu.se)
Tighter rules around phones in Scottish schools being considered | The National
South Korea’s teachers to be allowed to remove disruptive students, ban phones | The Straits
Times
Released
Reuters “Mobile phones to be banned from Dutch classrooms next year” (5 July 2023)
Mobile
phones to be banned from Dutch classrooms next year | Reuters
10
Christopher Luxton, National “National wil ban cel phone use at school” (9 August 2023, National
press release)
National will ban cell phone use at school - New Zealand National Party
RNZ “Principals say National’s plan to ban phones in school is unworkable” (9 August 2023)
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Principals say National's plan to ban phones in school is unworkable | RNZ News
Newshub “Election 2023: Chris Hipkins says schools don’t need ‘Christopher Luxon’s permission’
to ban mobile phones”
Election 2023: Chris Hipkins says schools don't need 'Christopher Luxon's
Act
permission' to ban mobile phones | Newshub
Lee Kenny, Stuff, “New year mobile phone ban for students as Christchurch school resolves to
improve learning and mental health” (20 December 2020)
New year mobile phone ban for students
as Christchurch school resolves to improve learning and mental health | Stuff.co.nz
Government
Mobile phones in Queensland state schools wil be ‘away for the day’ - Ministerial Media
Statements
Information
NSW Government begins mobile phone ban in public high schools | NSW Government
Department of Education, UK “Mobile phones in schools” (9 February 202
2) Mobile phones in
schools - The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)
Ministry of Education, Ontario, Canada,
Cell phones and other personal mobile devices in schools |
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ontario.ca
Legislation and guidelines the
The Education (Surrender, Retention, and Search) Rules 2013 provides for the retention and
storage of items or devices taken under the Act (rule 7).
Ministry of Education “Surrender and retention of property and searches – guidelines” (January
2014) Surrender and retention of property and searches - guidelines – Education in New Zealand
under
Ministry of Education “Digital technology – a safe-use guide for schools' Digital technology – A
safe-use guide for schools – Education in New Zealand
Ministry of Education “Consulting on bylaws (school rules)” Consulting on bylaws (school rules) –
Education in New Zealand.
Released
11
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Annex 1: Overseas jurisdictions
Act
Jurisdiction
Mandatory & legislation
Duration &
Exemptions
Enforce & how
coverage
United Kingdom
Not mandatory. It is currently up to headteachers to
Currently not enforced as
decide whether to ban devices.
voluntary.
The UK Department of Education will provide guidance in
October 2023 for schools on the management of mobile
phones but will leave it up to schools to develop plans or
Information
ban mobile phones during the school day. 33
However, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan on 2
October 2023 threatened to pass legislation to ban mobile
phones if schools fail to act on the proposed new
guidance in lessons and during break times if new
guidance is not heeded. 
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As of September 2023, Scotland is considering having
stricter rules on the use of mobile phones in schools
through having a partial ban. 
the
Northern
Mandatory ban by guidelines from term 1 2023. 
All Northern
Does not apply to outside
Student mobile phones in
Territory
Territory
hours school care
government school
Students in preschool to year 6 will not be permitted to
government
services run by external
policy34
have mobile phones in their possession during the school
schools
providers.
day and smart watches must be switched to flight mode.
under
33 Department of Education, UK “Mobile phones in schools” (9 February 2022
) Mobile phones in schools - The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk) an
d Blanket
ban of mobile phones in schools across England ‘unenforceable’ | The Independent
34
Student mobile phones in government schools – policy
Memo
Released
Students from years 7 to 12 can have their mobile phone
The new policy will allow 1982
during the school day but they must be off and away all
for teachers to permit
day - switched off, not accessed, seen, or heard during
mobiles only when
the school and securely stored. Smart watches must be
required for learning
switched to flight mode.
purposes, medical
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reasons or in
emergencies to contact
emergency services.
Exceptions include:
•
to monitor a health
condition as part of a
school-approved
documented health
care plan;
•
for a particular
educational purpose
Information
under the direct
instruction of a
teacher;
•
with permission of a
teacher for a specific
purpose;
•
in the event of an
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emergency.
A digital technology policy released for NSW public
The ban applies
Exemptions may be
The student use of digital
the
New South
schools in 2020.  This allows schools to customise their
during class,
granted by a principal or
devices and online
Wales
own school procedure using an online form. It includes
recess, and
teacher, including
services policy35
communication resources.
lunch times
allowing students to use a
device for an educational
This started in 2018 for public primary schools, will start in
The policy
purpose, or as part of a
late 2023 for public high schools. Extending the ban to
covers student
reasonable adjustment for
use of
student learning and
under
smartphones,
wellbeing.
35
Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy - Policies - Department of Education
13
Released
cover high schools was an election commitment.  Some
smartwatches,
Parents, carers, and, if
1982
high schools already have a ban. 
tablets, laptops,
appropriate, students
and any other
themselves, can request
This followed a 2020 review into the non-educational use
device that
the principal to provide an
of mobile devices in NSW schools which assessed the
allows
exemption from parts of
Act
extent to which smartphones in schools contributes to
connectivity to
this policy or the school
online (or cyber) bullying and the wellbeing and
the internet and
procedure.
educational experiences of young people.  It considered applications.
whether a restriction or other limits should be placed on
smartphone use for children.
Principals are to consult students, parents, carers, and
From Term 4
school staff when developing their school procedure
2023, students
in all
government
schools will be
banned from
Information
using mobile
phones at
school. The ban
on mobile
phones will
apply during
class, recess,
and lunch times,
Offical as is the case in
government
primary schools.
the
Students will be
allowed to carry
their phones
while travelling
to and from
school.
under
Queensland
A mandatory ban starts will start Term 1, 2024.  This
The ban is for all
School principals have
The Department will work
will be done by guidance.
school hours
flexibility to determine:
closely with schools on
including breaks.
how to best implement
the ban in a way that
14
Released
reflects the realities of
Almost all (95%) of state school already have bans in
The ban applies
•
how mobile phones 1982
their school. For example,
place, but not all bans cover break times. The purpose is
to mobile
and certain wearable
a small school in the
to strengthen state-wide policy.
phones and
devices will be
outback may require
wearable
stored during the day students to hand phones
A paper was prepared for the Queensland Government in
technology like
•
reasonable Act in to a nominated staff
July 2023 on the proposed ban. 
smartwatches.
adjustments for
member, while a school
students with
with thousands of
disability or learning
students may choose to
difficulties, medical
use lockable pouches.
needs, those
experiencing trauma,
and where use of a
personal device is
approved to support
student learning
•
appropriate student
disciplinary action
Information
where the policy is
not followed, in
accordance with
departmental
policies
Offical
ACT
No mandatory ban. The use of mobile phones and other
Students in
The Use of Personal
personal electronic devices by students in ACT public
government
Electronic Devices
schools is currently governed by the Acceptable Use of
schools may
policy38
ICT - Parents and Students policy36 and the Use of
take personal
the
Personal Electronic Devices (PED) policy37. These
electronic
policies currently allow the use of mobile phones and
devices to
other personal electronic devices in ACT public schools.
school to
The principal is
support their
responsible for ensuring
learning,
student use is consistent
including
with the policy.
under
36
Communities Online: Acceptable use of ICT – Parents and Students Policy - Education (act.gov.au)
37
Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy - Education (act.gov.au)
38
Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy - Education (act.gov.au)
15
Released
workstations,
The ACT Government is currently seeking feedback on a
1982
review of ACT public schools’ mobile phone use
laptops, tablet
policies.

devices and
smartphones.
Act
Western
Mobile phones are banned across Western Australia
This extends to
Students in government
Student Mobile Phones in
Australia
public schools. Children from kindergarten to year 6 who
the use of smart
schools are not permitted
Public Schools policy39
bring a phone to schools must have it stored with
watches which
to use mobile phones
teachers for the entire day.
need to be on
except for medical or
Breaches of the policy are
airplane mode
teacher-directed
managed in accordance
This policy took place form term 1 2023.
during this
educational purposes.
with the policy: Student
period.
Behaviour in Public
Under the policy: 
Requires the principal to
Schools Policy and
The policy
restrict student phone use
Procedure which has a
• Primary students cannot have a mobile phone in
applies to
unless an exemption has
multi-tiered system of
their possession. If your child is in Kindergarten to
smartphones,
been granted for the
support and
Year 6 and they bring a mobile phone to school, it
smart watches,
following reasons:
approaches.40
Information
will be stored until the end of school.
other electronic
• Students in Years 7 to 12 are allowed to have
communication
•
to monitor a health
their phone in their possession but must turn it off
devices, and
condition to monitor
and keep it out of sight until the end of school.
associated
as part of a school-
listening
approved
accessories,
documented health
such as, but not
care plan;
Offical limited to, • for a particular
headphones and
educational purpose
ear buds.
under the direct
Schools may
instruction of a
the
choose, in
teacher;
consultation with
•
with permission of a
the school
teacher for a
community, to
specified purpose.
maintain or
introduce a
under
39
Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy - Policies - Department of Education
40
Student Behaviour in Public Schools Policy - Policies - Department of Education with Procedures available at:
Asset Publisher - Policies
(education.wa.edu.au) and the Policy available at:
Asset Publisher - Policies (education.wa.edu.au).
16
Released
mobile phone
1982
policy that
imposes further
restrictions than
those set out in
Act
the policy.
Victoria
Mandatory mobile phone policy for all government
All public
Exceptions for if a mobile
The “Mobile Phones –
schools from 2020.41
schools.
phone is essential for a
Student use policy42”
student in: 
requires schools to
Phones bought to school must be switched off and stored
Only mobile
develop a local approach.
securely during the school day.
phones.
• Learning-related:
o specific learning
activities
o reasonable
adjustments
associated with a
Information
student's
disability.
• Health and
wellbeing-related:
o students with a
health condition
documented in
Offical
the Student
Health Support
Plan
o students who are
the
documented as
young carers.
• Risk related to
managing students
offsite, including
where students:
under
41
Mobile phones in schools | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
42
Mobile Phones — Student Use: Policy | education.vic.gov.au
17
Released
o travel to and from 1982
excursions
o are on an
excursion or
camp Act
o are offsite and
unsupervised with
parental
permission
o have a dual
enrolment and/or
need to undertake
intercampus
travel.
Teachers can grant a
classroom-based
Information
learning exception.
Other exceptions are
managed by the
school principal.
Offical
South Australia
Mobile phones are banned in all public high schools from
Smart phones,
The policy requires
Student use of mobile
term 3 2023. 
smart watches,
students in all government phones and personal
tablets, and
schools to keep their
devices policy44
Legislation to trial mobile phone storage devices in
other personal
personal devices,
the
Government Schools in 2021 - Education and Children's
devices are
including mobile phones,
In line with this policy,
Services (Mobile Phones in Schools) Amendment Bill
included in the
of and away between the
each school will locally
202143
ban.
start and end of each
decide where students
school day and while
will keep their personal
attending authorised
devices during school
school activities of-site.
hours. whether teachers
under
will be able to approve
43
Education and Children's Services (Mobile Phones in Schools) Amendment Bill 2021 | South Australian Legislation
44
Student use of mobile phones and personal devices policy (education.sa.gov.au)
18
Released
temporary exemptions for
The devices
Each school can approve 1982
students to use personal
covered by this
exemptions in exceptional
devices for a learning
policy include:
circumstances. These
activity or other agreed
are:
•
reason - and if so, how
mobile phones
Act the consequences for
and smart
• the device is used to non-compliance with the
phones
monitor or help
policy, in line with the
• smart watches
manage a health
school’s local behaviour
and other
condition;
support policy.
wearable
• the device is a
devices that
negotiated
When incidents occur
can send
adjustment to a
during school hours, or in
and/or receive
learning program for
connection with school,
calls and
a student with
they must be managed
messages
disability or learning
and reported in line with
and/or connect
difficulties;
departmental policies and
to an internet
• the device is used
Information
procedures, including:
network
for translation in the
• laptops, iPads,
classroom by a
• Reporting critical
tablets that are
student with English
incidents, injuries,
not owned by
as an additional
hazards and near miss
the school,
language;
procedure
and were not
• the student has
• behaviour support
brought to
extenuating personal
Offical
policy
school by the
circumstances that
• suspension, exclusion,
student under
require them to have
and expulsion of
a separate
ready access to their
students procedure
BYOD
personal device,
the
• search and seizure
agreement
such as being a
•
procedure
any other
parent themselves or • responding to online
digital devices
a primary carer to
safety incidents in
with capability
younger siblings or
South Australian
of connecting
an unwell family
schools' guidelines
to a cellular
member.
under
communication
network, the
internet, or
both.
The school principal is
responsible for assessing
19
Released
and granting any
1982
exceptions on a case-by-
case basis for reasons
such as:
Act
• to monitor or help
manage a health
condition
• as a negotiated
adjustment to a learning
program for a student
with disability or
learning difficulties
• to help translate
information in the
classroom by a student
with English as an
Information
additional language
where there are
extenuating personal
circumstances which
require them to have
ready access to their
Offical
personal device, such as
being a parent
themselves or a primary
carer to a younger sibling
the
or an unwell family
member.
Since Term 2 2020, students have been required to
Principals may determine
Use of Mobile Phones by
ensure their mobile phones are "off and away all day"
exemptions or exceptions
Students at School Policy
Tasmania
from bell to bell.
where students:
‘Off and away al day’45
under
45
DoE Policy Template (education.tas.gov.au)
20
Released
• are in Years 11 and 12, 1982
in consultation with their
school association; •
• require a reasonable
adjustment to a learning
Act
program because of a
disability and/or learning
difficulty;
• have a health condition
or are young carers;
• are undertaking school
activities outside school
hours that are not on
school campuses;
• have been given direct
instruction by a teacher
to use their mobile
Information
phone for
• educational purposes
(including under the
Bring Your Own
Technology Policy and
Procedures);
• are experiencing
Offical
extenuating
circumstances other
than the above, where
agreed by the principal.
the
United States of
The USA National Centre for Education statistics report
Most USA
America
that about 77% of America public schools have
school districts
implemented a phone ban in some form. 46
have policies or
practices to limit
under
In New York, mobile phones were banned in public
phone use
schools in 2005 but this ban was overturned in 2015 in
during the
46
Cell phone bans in public schools are trending nationwide | National | thecentersquare.com
21
Released
response to concerns around safety (a belief that students school day,
1982
should be able to text their parents if need be) and equity
especially in
issues (the ban was seen to be more rigidly enforced at
class.
schools with metal detectors in poor neighbourhoods).47
Act
New York now has regulation A-413 that governs the use
of cell phones in schools. This requires principals to with
The New York
School Leadership Teams in deciding among a range of
ban did cover
options for their schools, depending on what they feel
cell phones and
best meets the needs of their students, families, and
other electronic
educators. 
communication
devices like
iPads.
Spain
Two regions in Spain banned mobile phones in schools
The regional
Allowed devices to be
from 2014/2015. The two regions are Galicia and Castilla
governments of
used inside the schools
La Mancha. The Community of Madrid government
these regions
as a learning tool for
Information
banned use of mobile phones during class time from
passed laws to
educational purposes
September 2020.
ban mobile
phones in
primary and
secondary
education
centres in 2014
Offical for Castilla La
Mancha, and in
2015 for Galicia.
the
France
A mandatory ban for cell phones and other electronic
The ban applies
There are exceptions for
Children up to the age of
communication devices started in 201848
to kindergartens,
certain groups of students
15 must leave their
elementary
(e.g. students with
phones switched off
disabilities) or when
during the school day.
under
47
Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña to Lift School Cell Phone Ban | City of New York (nyc.gov)
48
France: Government Adopts Law Banning Cell Phone Use at School | Library of Congress (loc.gov) and LAW No. 2018-698 of 3 August
2018 on the regulation of the use of mobile phones in school-based educational establishments - ps://www.assemblee-
nationale.fr/dyn/15/textes/l15b0989_texte-adopte-commission
22
Released
schools, and
smartphones are used for 1982
middle schools.
‘pedagogical’ purposes.
Netherlands
Mandatory ban from 1 January 202449
Mobile phones,
tablets, and
Act
smartwatches
Sweden
Mandatory ban from August 2020.
Schools mobile
There have been
phone use
difficulties enforcing the
ban with some students
finding alternative ways to
access their phones
during class time, such as
using smartwatches or
earphones. 50
Information
Canada
Ontario has restricted the use of mobile devices in
Students can still use their
classrooms since 2019.
cell phones for
educational purposes with
the permission of their
teachers, for health and
medical purposes, and to
support special education
Offical
needs, according to a
2019 notice sent to school
boards. 
the
Republic of
Mandatory ban. starting from September 2023. Each
Teachers can remove
Korea
school can develop their own guidelines. 
disruptive students and
confiscate their mobile
phones if they continue to
under
49 Reuters “Mobile phones to be banned from Dutch classrooms next year” (5 July 2023
) Mobile phones to be banned from Dutch classrooms next year |
Reuters
50 University of Gothenburg “Mobile phone ban in school does not work” (13 December 2022)
Mobile phone ban in school does not work | University of
Gothenburg (gu.se)
23
Released
interrupt classroom
1982
operations and disturb
other students
Act
Information
Offical
the
under
24
Released
