NT government ban mobile phones in all public schools from 2023

A new policy for using mobile phones at school will be brought in across all public schools in the Territory next year. Have your say.

Mobile phones in all government schools in the Northern Territory will be banned from next year.

Under a new policy Education Minister Eva Lawler announced on Wednesday, the private use of mobile devices during school hours, including recess and lunch will be prohibited.

Phones can be brought to school but must be kept switched off.

“The constant feedback I hear from teachers and families is they feel powerless to manage the impacts that mobile phones are having on children and young people – the distraction to learning, the bullying, the impacts on mental health,” Ms Lawler said.

“This in turn leads to greater engagement with learning, a reduction in cyber-bullying and increased social skills.”

Teachers will be able to permit the use of phones when necessary for learning or in emergencies.

Ms Lawler said a similar policy already existed at many schools across the Territory and Australia, but now all government schools in the NT would be subject to them.

“This new policy is about creating the best learning environment for all students, and supporting young people to genuinely focus and engage in their learning.”

South Australia introduced a blanket ban for primary schools in 2021, with changes in students’ interactions and physical activity reported in the first few months.

In May 2021, then Education Minister Lauren Moss ruled out a ban on mobile phones after footage of a fight was circulated on social media.