Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy

1. Policy statement

The Department of Education does not permit student use of mobile phones in public schools unless for medical or teacher directed educational purpose.

2. Policy rules

Principals must:

• implement a ban on the use of mobile phones for all students from the time they arrive to the conclusion of the school day (“off and away all day”) unless the student has been granted an exemption for the following uses of mobile phones:
  • to monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan; or
  • for a particular educational purpose under the direct instruction of a teacher; or
  • with permission of a teacher for a specified purpose.
• implement the following rules for students in different year levels:
  • students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are not permitted to have mobile phones in their possession during the school day; and
  • students from Year 7 to 12 are permitted to be in possession of their mobile phone during the school day, however, mobile phones must be turned off and neither seen nor heard;
• require students to put their smart watches in ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day;
• determine an appropriate storage approach for mobile phones for students from Kindergarten to Year 6; and
• manage breaches of this policy in accordance with the Student Behaviour in Public Schools Policy and Procedures.

3. Responsibility for implementation and compliance

Implementation of the policy is the responsibility of principals.

Compliance monitoring is the responsibility of line managers.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all principals of public schools.

5. Related documents

6. Contact information

Policy manager:

Manager, Projects and Initiatives

Policy contact officer:

Principal Advisor 

T: (08) 9264 4382

7. History of changes