State education departments across Australia are expanding restrictions on personal digital devices in primary and secondary schools to combat classroom distraction, support mental wellbeing, and foster face-to-face social connection.

Strict Classroom Mobile Phone Restrictions

Across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, mandatory phone-free school policies require student phones to remain switched off and secured in lockers throughout instructional and break times.

Expansion to Smartwatches and Connected Wearables

With wearable devices supporting cellular messaging, internet connectivity, and social media apps, education jurisdictions are progressively extending policy scopes to encompass smartwatches and wireless earbuds.

School administrators report tangible improvements in classroom engagement, playground peer interactions, and reduced instances of cyberbullying since implementing comprehensive device guidelines.

Source: SBS