NSW Labor is reiterating its plans to ban mobile phones in New South Wales schools as a new report shows more and more kids are addicted to screens and devices.
Today’s Daily Telegraph reports that a group of Australian psychiatrists and psychologists specialising in video gaming, technology and associated behavioural difficulties have formed the Australian Gaming & Screens Alliance (AGASA).
They are calling on the government to take action, particularly after COVID.
Labor announced in September, that a Minns Labor Government will restrict the use of mobile phones in NSW public school classrooms to improve students’ learning and social development.
South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia have all announced a ban in schools. Mobile phones are banned in primary schools in NSW but there is no mandatory restrictions on phones in high schools.
The Premier and his Education Minister are refusing to budge. That is despite parents writing to the Government urging a ban, and study after study suggesting children are more addicted to screens then ever.
Under the proposed policy, all NSW public school students would have their phones turned off during school hours and kept off and out of sight until the end of the school day.
There will be exemptions for students with special circumstances, such as needing to monitor a health condition, or when under the direct instruction of a teacher for educational purposes or with teacher permission for a specified purpose such as for language translation and communication.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said:
As any family across New South Wales knows, the biggest conversation around the dinner table at the moment is how to get kids off devices.
“I’ve got 3 boys, I share the concerns of parents about the impact devices and phones are having on the next generation of kids.
“NSW Labor will ban mobile phones in NSW schools. It will mean kids can focus more on learning and during recess and lunch they are back to kicking a ball around or talking face to face with their friends.