The South Australian Government has shared the results of a 12-month review into the impact of its strict mobile phone ban in schools, revealing a significant improvement in student behaviour and classroom focus.
According to the findings, an impressive 93% of school leaders noted a reduction in the amount of staff time needed to manage issues related to mobile phones and social media. This decrease is coupled with reports from 79% of teachers observing similar reductions.
The survey, which comprehensively evaluates the outcomes of the mobile phone restriction, drew responses from over 3000 participants, including school staff and parents. It highlights that 83% of school leaders and 75% of teachers have witnessed more positive activities during break times since the ban was implemented. 76% of leaders and 70% of teachers have also reported heightened focus and engagement in learning activities among students.
Parents are also recognising the benefits, particularly those concerned about their children’s social media use. Seventy-seven percent of these parents back the positive impact of the ban, compared to 61% of parents without prior concerns.
The ban requires students in all South Australian public schools to keep their mobile phones and other personal electronic devices turned off and stored away during school hours. This rule is strictly enforced unless an exemption is granted under specific circumstances.
Premier Peter Malinauskas commented on the review noting, “As the community grapples more widely with the issue of damage caused by social media platforms, this Government has taken decisive action to protect young people in school hours to ensure the appropriate use of devices.” He added, “We knew this was the right thing to do – and the data is reflecting that.”
In addition to the phone ban, the state is also stepping up its efforts against bullying. The Minister for Education, Blair Boyer, recently met with his New South Wales counterpart to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, enabling both states to share resources and strategies for anti-bullying measures, applicable across various educational sectors.
Minister Boyer shared, “In the wake of the ban being introduced I’m pleased to see that staff are seeing fewer issues involving personal devices at school, more socialisation and student interest in other activities in recess and lunch breaks, and improvements in classroom focus and engagement.”
Statistical data from the Department for Education illustrates the success of the ban with significant decreases reported in various types of incidents since the policy’s implementation in 2023. Reports related to social media issues dropped by 57.3% in 2024, while those concerning behavioural issues involving devices fell by 37.9%.
Looking forward, the government plans to introduce enhanced educational programs focusing on online safety and the risks associated with digital interactions. These programmes are designed to equip students with better coping strategies and understanding of appropriate device usage.
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