Split on class phone bans

OPINIONS are mixed about the use of mobile phones in Tasmanian public schools, according to a survey run by Tasmania’s peak body for state school parents.

When asked whether students should be allowed to take their phones to school, 45 per cent of respondents said “yes”, 47 per cent said “no” while the rest were undecided.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff last week announced the devices would be banned in state schools from next year.

The Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations survey saw 948 responses from parents, students, school staff and community members, but only 7.8 per cent of responses were from students.

When asked about cyber bullying, 66 per cent of respondents said they were either moderately or highly concerned about the issue.

Seventy-seven per cent said students were directed to use their mobile phone in class by their teacher.

TASSO acting president Lyn Spaulding said the survey was inconclusive on banning mobile phones in schools.

“We believe the best outcome is, each school develop their own policy regarding the use of mobile phones and other devices in consultation with the school association and students,’’ she said yesterday.

“Once the school-based policy was agreed upon, an agreement would be signed by all students, parents and staff to uphold the agreement and accept the consequences of breaches.”

But the State Government’s policy is set to be implemented regardless, and will take effect from term 2 in 2020.

The policy will apply between the morning and afternoon bells that signal the start and end of classes for the day.

It would be up to individual schools to decide how they police the ban, and how students are disciplined if they do not comply.

Exceptions will be made for when students are directed by teachers to use their phone during class, and for students who need to access devices to monitor medical conditions.

Mr Rockliff last week said the evidence was overwhelming about the need to reduce distractions within classrooms.

In a survey of more than 600 Mercury readers, 85 per cent said they supported a ban on mobile phones in schools. cameron.whiteley@news.com.au