Mobile phone ban to take effect in NSW High Schools

The new NSW government has announced that mobile phones will be banned from high schools across the state at the start of Term 4, delivering on an election commitment to create a better learning environment for high school students.

While the government won't be telling schools how to enforce the policy, Premier Chris Minns said the decision was supported by evidence from other states as well as the UK. Phones are already banned from high schools in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory.

"I know a lot of adults who find it difficult to concentrate when a mobile phone is in front of them, so I don't know why we expect children to have that kind of discipline in them," said newly-elected NSW Premier Chris Minns.

"It's time to clear our classrooms of unnecessary distractions and create better environments for learning."

Studies from Europe and the UK have shown that a mobile phone ban can greatly improve learning outcomes for struggling students, while also minimising the effects of bullying and the distractions of social media.

The policy will come into effect on October 9, 2023.