DIALLING BACK USE OF MOBILES

As France bans phones in schools, Geelong is already cracking down

GEELONG schools are cracking down on mobile phones in the classroom, with bans in place to prevent kids being distracted by their devices.

It comes as France has initiated a nationwide ban on mobile phones in the classroom, meaning no child under 15 can have one.

The law, which passed in July, also forbids tablets and smart watches for primary and junior school students.

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to introduce the “detox measure” to combat France’s phone-addicted children and deal with issues of classroom distraction, bullying and improving the physical activity of students.

Closer to home, Christian College Geelong vice-principal Scott Elliss said the school had a “a strict no phones policy for students from prep to Year 9”.

“These students are not permitted to have phones in the classroom or visible at school unless invited by a teacher for specific educational purposes,” Mr Elliss said. “Students at our senior school in Years 10 to 12, are not allowed to have phones visible in the classroom unless instructed for educational purposes by a teacher.

“The senior students are permitted to check their phones during recess and lunchtime in a safe and responsible way.”

The policy has been in place at the school for a number of years.

Kardinia International College “has always maintained a policy of no unauthorised use of phones in the classroom”, principal David Fitzgerald said.

“Students can access their phone before and after school but not during recess, lunch or between classes,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

An Education Department spokeswoman said “schools can develop their own policy on student mobile phone usage”.

“Most schools have policies in place to prohibit mobile phone use in classes,” she said.

“The Department provides guidance on mobile phone usage through the School Policy and Advisory Guide.

“Schools that allow the use of mobile phones must advise students and parents of their expectations and policy requirements, including use during excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities.”