Mobile Phones Will Be Banned In All West Australian Public Schools

Kids in Western Australian public schools will be banned from using their mobile phones from next year.

The State government has announced it's new 'off and away' campaign that will see most technology removed from personal use from 2020 in a bid to encourage students to commit to learning.

Premier Mark McGowan said: "We want to create the best possible learning environment for WA kids, and our policy will allow students to focus on their school work, without the distraction of a mobile phone," Premier Mark McGowan said.

"My government is responding to concerns from parents and teachers about the pressures and demands that carrying a mobile phone brings to young people.

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"Additionally, while it is recognised that cyber bullying mainly occurs outside school time, banning the use of mobile phones will reduce external issues being brought into a school via technology."

Students won't be able to access their smart phone from the moment they step into school until the moment they leave - including before school hours start and during breaks like lunch and recess.

But it's not just phones that are banned; smart watches, earbuds, tablets and headphones unless students are all on the chopping block unless under the instruction of a staff member.

Kids in Kindergarten to Year 6 won't be able to have devices during the school day however those in high school will have to keep them turned off and out of sight.

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The only exception when it comes to smartwatches is when a student has a medical condition that requires them to wear one.

Education minister Sue Ellery said: "Schools I have visited where phones are banned, have reported that a tough stance has been a game-changer for students and staff.

"Students are talking to each other face-to-face rather than texting and they're not distracted from their work during class - overall those schools are much happier and connected places.

"I want that for all schools."

Parents have been advised to contact the school's administration centre if they want to speak to their kid during the day.

Topics: News, Technology, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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