Mobile Phones to be banned in public schools in West Australia

The usage of mobile phones will be prohibited during school hours in West Australian public schools from next year. According to the State government, it has been reported that it is expected to reduce distraction among students from studies and will encourage face-to-face social interaction. Along with mobile phones, students will not be allowed to use smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and tablets during class hours. Children from kindergarten to grade 6 will not be allowed to have cellphones at all and students in higher classes will have to switch it off and keep it out of sight. 

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Other changes in the rules

The government also stated that students who will not follow the rules will have to hand over their gadgets to the authorities only to receive it at the end of the day. In case the students repeat the violation of the rule, parents will have to come to the school and collect the device. However, exceptions can still be made by teachers and authorities if the phone is required for educational purposes. Premier Mark McGowan reportedly said that they want to create the best possible learning environment for the kids in school and the change in policy will allow more focus in their school work. 

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'Will also improve health and wellbeing'

According to the officials, the change in school policies will also improve the health and wellbeing of the students because no use of the phone will encourage social connections with their classmates. Presently, the students are so engrossed in using their mobile phones, that they usually send text messages to their friends who are also sitting beside them during lunchtime. Opposition leader, Liza Harvey has also backed the ban, which was reportedly already placed in some of the private schools. According to Harvey kids are there in the school to study, and not to be distracted by their phones. 

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(With agency inputs)