Queensland schools’ mobile phone ban sees resurgence in board games, Uno, frisbee, lunchtime sports

The first two weeks of the statewide blanket mobile phone ban in schools has seen a remarkable turnaround in students, with reports of “engaged” students, packed sports courts and a whole heap of new activities being taken up.

Students have gone old school with board games and decks of cards all the rage at lunchtime during the first two weeks of the statewide mobile phone ban.

Under the ban, students are allowed to bring mobile phones and other devices – such as smart watches – to school but they must be switched off and away during school hours.

Queensland was the last state to implement the ban, with former Education Minister Grace Grace making the U-turn off the back of a statewide review, and public and media pressure.

The return to school signalled the start of the phone ban, but so far, there has been no negative feedback reported to the Department or the education unions, only positives.

Indooroopilly State High School executive principal Michael Hornby said the groundsmen noticed “a buzz” around the campus at lunchtime.

Education Minister Di Farmer with Fernvale State School students during a visit on January 23. Photo: Supplied.

“I cannot believe how responsive the students have been in the first week. It has been a much bigger success than I or my team could have imagined,” he said.

“This can be seen when you walk around the grounds at morning tea and lunch. Students are engaged in playing table tennis, Uno, cards, frisbee, chess, basketball and soccer.

“Students have signed up in their droves to our lunchtime club activities run by teachers, with everything from pottery to chess to sport, including eSports.”

Clontarf Beach State High School principal Jo House said the volleyball and basketball courts have been “packed” during the start of term.

“There has been a noticeable uptake of students playing sports together. There are also many more students in the library playing cards and board games,” she said.

“(There has also been) a significant reduction in their management of a range of issues and allegations involving cyber-bullying, sexting, and students videoing and uploading fights.”

Staff at Maryborough State High School, Spinifex State College, Bremer SHS, Urangan SHS, Stanthorpe SHS, Trinity Bay SHS, and Palm Beach Currumbin SHS also reported noticeable positive changes in student behaviour and interaction for the start of the year.

Education Minister Di Farmer said it has been a “fascinating” two weeks.

“We had the Department doing a big ring-around to ask how things were going and I don’t think they spoke to a single school where there had been a problem,” she said.

“Where there may have been some cyber-bullying or negative behaviour on social media which may have then erupted at break time, that can’t happen now.

“And kids are engaging more in class.”

Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice Di Farmer. Picture: Richard Walker

Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association acting president Kirsten Ferdinand said schools have implemented different methods regarding device storage.

“It’s a real mix (of methods), they are based on consultation in the school and their community. The three main ones will be using pouches, away for the day in their school bags, or away for the day in their school lockers,” she said.

“Secondary schools have been doing a lot in this space already, in terms of restrictions and some schools already had total bans in place. It has been a seamless transition into what Away For The Day actually means, and it is supported by the research.

“Generally, the consensus is that it is not popping up as an incident in schools.”

Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson said many state schools had a phone policy in place last year in preparation for the blanket ban, and had seen the benefits.

“We know that this means students can focus on what’s most important – learning in the classroom, having better face-to-face interactions, and developing stronger interpersonal skills without the constant presence of mobile phones.

“But the Queensland Teachers’ Union continues to call on the government to ensure that any cost storage solutions be fully resourced.”

Teachers Professional Association of Queensland president Scott Stanford also said there had been no issues raised by members regarding the mobile phone ban so far.

Originally published as Queensland schools’ mobile phone ban sees resurgence in board games, Uno, frisbee, lunchtime sports