Catholic Diocese opposes phone ban in Penrith schools

The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta has expressed opposition to banning mobile phones in schools, while people on social media have taken a different reaction.

The Catholic Education Diocese of Paramatta has spoken out on if a phone ban is appropriate for Penrith schools.

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The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta has expressed opposition to banning mobile phones in schools, while people on social media have taken a different reaction.

Following Victoria’s decision to ban mobile phones in schools, the Penrith Press put it to the people Facebook users to see if they think NSW should follow suit. The results of the poll showed overwhelming support, with more than 85 per cent of voters saying phones should not be used in classrooms.

Some of the comments included,

“As a mother of a teenager, I would 100% support this ban! It absolutely blows my mind that they’re allowed to have them in class and use them.” — Leonie Meech

“We never had phones when we were at school and we did just fine. I understand the times have changed but you’re at school to learn not to be on mobile phones.” — Fay Coleman

The discussion of phone bans is a hot topic on debate in all major states in Australia.

Late last year the NSW Government announced that a ban on mobile phones in public primary schools, while high schools were given the choice to opt in on the ban.

The question was put to the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) on if they would get behind the ban. To which a spokesperson said that the Diocese does not support a blanket ban of mobile phones, as they are seen as more of a learning tool than a distraction.

“When we ban mobile phones, we giving away one of the best opportunities we have to show young people how we can use this technology to learn and make the world a better place,” the spokesperson said.

“Banning phones is not the answer and when we impose a blanket ban we avoid the question of how we can teach students to use these tools constructively and appropriately.”

Phones are already banned in NSW public primary schools, with the option left up to individual high schools.

The question was also put forward as to whether the Diocese believes the ban would be appropriate in the 12 catholic schools in the Penrith Local Government Area. The spokesperson remained firm in the opposition of the ban.

“It is always appropriate for schools to make their own local decision to meet the needs of their communities and determine the most appropriate time and behaviour for phone access.

“Having said that, we do not support the outright banning of phones in any of our schools, as schools take digital citizenship very seriously and feel they play a deep role in teaching students how to become responsible global citizens.”