- Minister for Education
Minister for Education Dan Tehan has today welcomed the decision to ban mobile phones in Western Australian schools.
"I commend the Western Australian Government for making the tough but right decision to ban mobile phones during school hours from 2020," Mr Tehan said.
"The Morrison Government believes that banning mobile phones from the classroom will encourage students to focus on learning by removing a significant distraction.
"Mobile phones can also be conduits for cyberbullying and other inappropriate use. There is also evidence of the negative impact social media is having on young people’s mental health.
"Earlier this year, our Government put banning mobile phones on the agenda at Education Council. We heard from Assistant Professor Louis-Philippe Beland about his research that found low-achieving students enjoyed the biggest positive effect from a mobile phone ban, with the benefit equating to the equivalent of an additional 10 school days a year.
"If you go to schools where mobile phones are banned it has made a huge difference to the learning environment and to the social environment at lunch time and recess.
"Student wellbeing is an issue for parents and teachers, and we will continue to support all jurisdictions and schools to limit the use of mobile phones in schools."