‘It is up to schools to implement school-based policy decision making in regards to these devices’: No plans to ban phones in public schools

There are no plans to ban mobile phones in Territory public schools, after footage of a fight at major Darwin school circulated on social media.

EDUCATION Minister Lauren Moss has no plans to ban mobile phones in schools, after footage of a fight at Darwin High School circulated on social media.

Currently all Northern Territory public schools have autonomy over mobile phone use, which Ms Moss said would remain.

“The Territory Labor Government supports the use of new and changing technologies, including mobile phones, for educational learning and delivery and acknowledges the importance of teaching students about respectful relationships and the responsible use of electronic devices,” she said.

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“However, it is up to schools to implement school-based policy decision making in regards to these devices. School representative bodies are also part of this decision making.

“Accordingly, all disciplinary action for the inappropriate use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is managed at a school level.”

Last year multiple states introduced policies banning the use of mobile phones in public schools.

Victoria and Tasmania forbid use across all government schools.

Western Australia and New South Wales only placed the ban on public primary schools, but with restrictions on use for older students.

This year South Australia introduced the policy for all public primary schools.

All states however have their own terms of use, including allowances for students with medical needs.

The Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory governments have expressed no desire to follow.

Australian Education Union NT branch president Jarvis Ryan said schools should remain autonomous.

“It’s best left to the schools to develop policies as they see fit, rather than a uniform ban on phones,” he said.

“We believe schools are in the best position to develop a policy that works for their setting.

“What’s in place for a primary school is different to what we see in secondary schools.”

Originally published as ‘It is up to schools to implement school-based policy decision making in regards to these devices’: No plans to ban phones in public schools