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In a significant move to enhance focus and learning environments, new legislation unveiled today prohibits students from using smartphones and wearable technology, such as Apple Watches and wireless earbuds, during school hours.
Under the updated law, students must turn off their mobile phones and store them away until the school day ends. Meanwhile, wearable devices are required to have their internet connectivity, recording capabilities, and notification alerts disabled.
Victoria is set to become the pioneer state in Australia to impose such restrictions on wearable technology within school premises.
Exemptions will be made for students who need these devices for medical reasons.
In emergency situations, parents or guardians can still contact their children by calling the school directly.
Students were found to be more focused during classwork and more social during breaks after the ban was first introduced in 2020, according to an independent review.
Government schools also reported fewer incidents involving phones.
“The evidence shows it worked and now we’re going further, so every Victorian student, in every Victorian school, can put their phone away and focus on learning,” Victoria’s Education Minister Ben Carroll said.
The universal, state-wide ban will reduce screen time and encourage more “learning time” for students, Premier Jacinta Allan added.
Independent and Catholic school bosses have supported the imminent legislation.
“We welcome today’s announcement and acknowledge the government’s efforts to balance access to electronic devices with the need to support positive learning environments and student wellbeing,” Independent Schools Victoria Chief Executive Rachel Holthouse said.
After Victoria introduced the ban in 2020, almost every other Australian states and territory followed suit with similar legislation.
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