In preparation for the state of Queensland’s proposal to prohibit the use of mobile phones and smartwatches in state schools beginning in 2019, training for parents will be provided.
The state will be brought into step with the rest of the country as part of a consistent national strategy for mobile phone use, according to Grace Grace, the education minister. The minister stated that parents will have two terms to acclimatize to the ban, which will bring the state into line with the rest of the country.
At a news conference held in Canberra, Grace stated that “We are about to bring in a uniform ban right across the school day so that they are away for the day.” This will prevent students from wearing uniforms during the school day.
This will be implemented beginning with the first term in 2024.
This action expands upon an earlier policy under which virtually all state schools had implemented a prohibition on the use of mobile phones in some capacity.
Grace explained that at this point, “we are now taking that next step where we will have a uniform approach.”
“It will cover all break times as well, so away for the day,” and “we’ll ensure that we have guidelines up to date in consultation with school communities, including parents, about how we implement this at a school level.” “It will cover all break times as well,”
She stated that more than 95% of schools have a specific policy prohibiting the use of phones during class, with the other schools regulating the use of phones informally.
As a result of the execution of the recommendations made by the Anti-Cyberbullying 2018 Taskforce, it is now mandatory for all state schools to detail how they handle mobile phones.
This encompasses the situation of cyberbullying as well as distractions in the classroom.
Grace shared her thoughts by stating, “We will, of course, also make sure that we educate our students and teachers. We will give ourselves two terms so that we can work on implementation guidelines so that we can educate parents, students, and teachers.”
Students will still be permitted to carry their cell phones to school, enabling them to make instant touch with their parents or other caregivers either before or after school.
In addition, exemptions will be offered for those who meet certain requirements, such as those concerning their health and well-being.
Cheryl Vardon, a former family and child commissioner in Queensland, was given the task of reviewing the policy by the state’s administration, and her report is expected to be completed later this month.
Grace stated that she will continue discussions on the topic of producing rules that are consistent across all states and territories with other education ministers.
