IT IS one year since mobile phones were banned from all New South Wales public schools.

According to a new survey by the NSW Department of Education, the decision to ban mobile phones has improved student learning, concentration, and encouraged young people to socialise more.

One year on from the change, a survey of almost 1000 public school principals found almost universal support for the ban, at 95 per cent, and most say removing the unnecessary distraction has improved students’ focus and reduced social isolation.

The NSW Department of Education’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation survey also found 81 per cent of principals say students’ learning has improved since mobile phones were banned.

Of the principals surveyed, 87 per cent said students are less distracted in the classroom since mobile phones were banned and 86 per cent said socialising has improved.

Since the ban was introduced at the beginning of Term 4 last year, public schools across NSW are continuing to report widespread benefits.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said: “One year in it’s clear, this was the right decision.”

“Without the distraction of a mobile phone in their pockets, students have been able to focus on their learning, while building stronger relationships with their classmates,” he said.

“This is also about supporting our state’s teachers to be able to teach engaged classrooms without the distraction of social media in every student’s pocket.”

The decision to ban mobile phones in NSW public schools has improved student learning, concentration, and encouraged young people to socialise more, according to a new survey.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the government was committed to putting the safety of young people first.

“The results in schools show learning without distracting mobile phones is making students happier and healthier,” she said.

“Feedback from teachers, staff and students show the mobile phone ban is an overwhelming success – it was one of the first calls made by the Minns Labor Government and it was the right one.

“Without mobile phones our students are more engaged in the classroom and are building stronger relationships with their peers.

“Importantly, our election commitment to ban mobile phones in schools has delivered more productive classrooms with students who are less distracted and arriving in class ready to learn.”

Media Release