It’s been one year since the state government banned mobile phones in SA schools, and the latest stats show the move has been a massive win for student safety and culture.
In a significant move that got the nation talking, the state government banned mobile phones in SA schools from term 3, 2023, to cut down on classroom distractions and tackle the menace of bullying. One year on, Department for Education reporting data shows a drop of 63 per cent in ‘critical incidents’ (cyber bullying, circulation of explicit content, derogatory content being posted online and other concerning online behaviour) involving social media in terms 1 and 2 of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, before the ban was in place.
No more phones = less violence
The data shows a reduction in violent incidents particularly involving kicking and punching among high school students over the past 18 months. There’s also been a significant decrease over the same period of students reported for not complying with the phone ban.
The stats do the talking:
- 54 per cent fewer behavioural issues involving phones during term 1 and 2, 2024 compared to term 1 and 2, 2023;
- 44 per cent fewer policy compliance issues (i.e. refusing to comply with the phone ban) during term 1 and 2, 2024 compared to term 1 and 2, 2023;
- 10 per cent fewer violent incidents during term 1 and 2, 2024 compared to term 1 and 2, 2023.
These figures show that cutting mobile phones out of the educational equation equals a safer, less aggressive school environment.
The “off and away” revolution
The state government’s “off and away” policy, fully implemented from term 3 of 2023, has been more than just a rule – it’s been a cultural shift. Initially focused on eliminating distractions and addressing bullying, the ban is having flow-on effects that have made the whole high school experience better for many students.
Since the ban, principals have seen a significant uptick in physical activities and club participation during breaks. They say there’s been a big change in schoolyard behaviour, with students now more engaged in real-world interactions, like playing and chatting, rather than being glued to their screens.
National spotlight on SA success
The success of the ban here in South Australia has been watched closely interstate. The NSW and Queensland governments have all followed in our footsteps with their own school phone ban. It’s also put the issue on the national agenda. Thanks to the success seen in SA, all education ministers have committed to ban, restrict or manage the use of mobile phones in government schools nationwide.
The nuts and bolts of the policy
SA’s policy is thorough. During school hours, including breaks and excursions, all public high school students must either switch off their devices or put them in flight mode. That means not just mobile phones, but also all personal devices with internet connection capability including tablets and smart watches.
But it’s not just about enforcement. The state government is backing this initiative with $515,000 in funding for schools’ practical needs like pouches and lockers. And it’s not a blanket ban; school-owned tech and devices under “bring your own device” programs aren’t affected.
Want more?
We go in-depth on everything you need to know about the mobile phone ban, and explore the debate that surrounded the policy. If you want some inspiration for your own digital detox, here’s the research into how smartphones negatively impact learning, creativity and mental health.
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