Call to prohibit school mobiles

A leading psychologist has urged the state government to introduce a blanket mobile phone ban in public schools, saying leaving it in principals’ hands is a “cop-out”.

Queensland could emerge as the only state to not impose a blanket ban in public schools after the NSW government announced it would introduce its own ban from October.

New NSW Premier Chris Minns carried out an election promise and said it was “time to clear our classrooms of unnecessary distractions”.

Experts said mobile phones in classrooms were a major distraction for students who were there to learn and that it could spark bullying or brawls in schools.

Education Minister Grace Grace said there was no plan to introduce a blanket ban and argued it would create problems rather than solving them.

Ms Grace said the Queensland Anti Cyber-bullying Taskforce, which was established in 2018, did not recommend any bans on mobile phones in schools.

“At this point in time, we will stick by the recommendations of the taskforce,” Ms Grace said.

“We fully support school principals if they decide that’s what they want to do.”

Respected child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said the decision to leave bans up to principals was a “cop-out”.

Dr Carr-Gregg has been a staunch critic of Queensland’s reluctance to implement a blanket phone ban and urged the Minister to reconsider.

“Most civilised countries have recognised that classrooms are no place for mobile phones, unless directed by a teacher.”

Dr Carr-Gregg claimed schools that had implemented their own bans had been “entirely positive”.

“There has been a reduction in distraction and an increase in socialisation,” he said.