Centre for Digital Wellbeing welcomes NSW Labor’s policy limiting the use of mobile phones in classrooms
Centre for Digital Wellbeing welcomes the announcement by the NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns of NSW Labor’s commitment to restricting the use of mobile phones in NSW public high school classrooms and introducing a comprehensive e‑safety and digital literacy program, if elected.
Ms Carla Wilshire OAM 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,” Ms Wilshire 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,” Ms Wilshire added.
“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,” Ms Wilshire continued.
“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,” Ms Wilshire concluded.
Psychologist, creator of Digital Nutrition, and member of the Centre for Digital Wellbeing Advisory Council, Jocelyn Brewer, 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.”
“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,” Ms Brewer said.
“We are empowering young people to identify and report misinformation, to understand the design of technology that drives unhealthy habits, and to adopt ethical behaviours in online spaces will be critical,” Ms Brewer concluded.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Centre for Digital Wellbeing welcomes NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns's commitment to restricting the use of mobile phones in NSW public high school classrooms & introducing a comprehensive e‑safety & digital literacy program, if elected. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/54MCvmt5j5
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) September 5, 2022
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
