Limiting mobile phone use in classrooms

An announcement by the NSW Opposition to restrict the use of mobile phones in high school classrooms has been welcomed by the Centre for Digital Wellbeing.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns has also committed to introducing a comprehensive e‑safety and digital literacy program, if elected.

Carla Wilshire from the Centre for Digital Wellbeing commended the proposed policy to tackle the negative impacts of digital engagement on children’s health and wellbeing.

“We welcome the thoughtful and comprehensive nature of the digital literacy and wellbeing strategy proposed by the NSW Opposition Leader. Focusing on online ethical behaviours, critical thinking skills and data privacy for children and young adults is a critical step in the right direction,” she said.

Recent research suggests that younger individuals may be more vulnerable to potential negative impacts of social media given the emphasis on social connectedness during adolescence. This demonstrates the need for a focused and supportive policy response.

“The restriction on the use of mobile phones, coupled with the broader strategy, will be grounded in the evidence-based world’s best practice and will seek to address cyberbullying, reduce classroom distractions and assist students to learn the skills they need for a digital world,” Wilshire said.

“We know that technology and social media can have detrimental impacts on developing minds, with research identifying strong correlations between extensive use of technology and increased depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations.

“Today’s students have been fully immersed in technology throughout their lifetimes. This strategy will encourage students to learn in a supportive and focused classroom environment and to develop a healthy relationship with technology.”

Jocelyn Brewer, psychologist, creator of Digital Nutrition and member of the Centre for Digital Wellbeing Advisory Council, supports creating a clear framework for the use of smartphones in classrooms to encourage positive learning habits among young people:

“With more immersive technologies such as Web3 and the metaverse on their way, it is vital that governments commit to explicit instruction of the skills that support responsible, healthier use of digital technologies,” she said.

“By focusing on digital and media literacy, we are equipping young people with critical, emerging skills that will be required for success in a highly tech‑saturated/web3 world.”

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