The ACT government will restrict the use of  mobile phones and other personal communication devices in public schools from next year.

From term 1, 2024, students in years K-10 may not access mobile phones or other personal communication devices during the school day, or during school-authorised events, says Education Minister Yvette Berry.

“Years K-10 students will be strongly encouraged to leave their phones and other personal devices at home – however, it is acknowledged that some students will need access to their phones immediately before and after school to help them get to and from school safely,” she says.

“For Year 11 and 12 students, mobile phones and other personal communications devices will need to be silenced and put away during class. College students will be allowed to use their devices at other times while at school, such as at lunch or break times.”

School principals can provide exemptions from this new policy if a student needs their device to manage or monitor a medical condition, to help meet caring or family responsibilities, or for staff when delivering lessons where personal devices add value to the learning program that could not otherwise be supported by a student’s Chromebook (for example, recording a dance performance), the minister says.

A transition period up to the end of Term 1, 2024 will be available for schools to implement the new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools Policy, and for those families needing to provide exemptions and the necessary documentation to the school.

Mobile phones were banned for students at NSW government high schools in October.