Mobile Phones to be banned next year in all State Schools

Mobile Phones to be banned next year in all State schools

Extract from the media release issued by The Honorable James Merlino MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education on Wednesday 16 June 2019. 

“Mobile phones will be banned for all students at Victorian State primary and secondary schools from Term 1 2020, to help reduce distraction, tackle cyber bullying and improve learning outcomes for students.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the reform as McKinnon Secondary College, which has seen the benefits of its mobile phone ban on student learning and social behaviour.  Teachers at the school have reported that students are more focused during class and communicating more in the school yard.”

The full copy of the press release was sent to our Cheltenham parents last week or can be requested from the school or is available at  https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/mobile-phones-to-be-banned-next-year-in-all-state-schools/.

As a school we understand that students may bring a personal mobile device to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. However, during school hours, personal mobile devices must be switched off, and locked securely in the student’s locker. Students will not be permitted to use their mobile devices during recess, lunch time or during any other school related activity unless prior College approval has been granted.

Students who use their personal mobile device inappropriately at school may be issued with consequences consistent with our school’s Student Wellbeing and Engagement and/or Bullying policies.