BMGS Newsletter

From the Principal

NSW Premier’s Mobile Phones in Schools Plan

Dear BMGS Community

 

I am writing to you today to discuss a recent proposal and subsequent plan from the newly elected NSW Premier Chris Minns, regarding mobile phone signals in schools.

 

In his announcement, Premier Minns expressed his support for a proposal to block mobile phone signals in schools to reduce distraction and improve students' focus in the classroom. While we understand the potential benefits of limiting mobile phone use during the school day, we also believe that mobile phones can have a place in learning when used appropriately. We also understand that the Premier is acting on what he believes is a growing concern about dependency and misuse of mobile technologies. 

 

It is important to be clear - this matter impacts students of all ages throughout schools worldwide. 

 

In these situations, it is always helpful to balance 'gut response' with quality research. Reviewing the research and seeing how it fits with our situation here at Blue Mountains Grammar School is necessary. What we hope to achieve is to develop balanced yet research-informed guidelines based on reports such as:

  • A study conducted by the University of Melbourne found that students who were allowed to use their mobile phones in the classroom were more likely to perform poorly in exams than those who were not allowed to use them (Lingard, 2019).
  • An Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) survey found that 95% of Australian schools have policies restricting mobile phone use in the classroom, with 74% banning their use outright (Hill, 2018).
  • A survey by the NSW Department of Education found that while 96% of high school students owned mobile phones, only 13% reported using them for educational purposes (NSW Department of Education, 2017).
  • A study by the University of South Australia found that using mobile phones in the classroom can lead to increased distraction, lower concentration, and decreased engagement in learning (Kim, 2018).
  • In a survey of 1,000 teachers in the UK, 75% reported that mobile phones were a major cause of distraction in the classroom. Another study found that students who used their mobile phones during class performed worse on exams than those who did not use their phones.

Our school has implemented a policy that limits mobile phone use during class time and encourages responsible use of technology outside the classroom. Students need to discern when to use their phones and when to leave them alone, and this requires education and guidance from parents and educators. There can be frustration when adults don't align in their approach to mobile phone use, so we ask that while you may disagree with part or all of our current approach, you support our direction in this season. 

 

I am sure there will be an ongoing debate around the Premier's plans. As a school, we will continue to monitor this conversation. My concern is that if implemented, schools and prisons will be the only places where mobile phone signals will be blocked. Banning mobile signals in prisons is logical and reasonable. However, a blanket ban in schools is more problematic. Blue Mountains Grammar School believes that, in most cases, young people are reasonable human beings. We also recognise that it is also true that they are still developing emotionally and may lack some of the wisdom and self-control necessary to use mobile phones responsibly.

 

Our school's approach will continue to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to use mobile phones safely and effectively in and outside the classroom. As I am sure many of you have heard from your children, and our choices are not necessarily popular, but they are research-based and have young people and their well-being at their core. 

 

As always, we welcome your feedback and input on this issue. We value your partnership in supporting your child's education and well-being and are committed to working together to create the best possible learning environment for your child.

 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

 

Mr Steven Coote

Principal

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