A year after the Malinauskas Labor Government implemented a mobile phone ban in South Australian schools, the results are in, and the signs are encouraging. Teachers, parents, and students have weighed in on the policy’s effectiveness, with data revealing improved behaviour, increased engagement, and fewer classroom disruptions.
School leaders and teachers have reported that the time spent dealing with mobile phone-related issues has significantly decreased. Ninety-three per cent of school leaders and 79 per cent of teachers noted a drop in time wasted chasing up phone-related problems. Additionally, students are engaging more positively during breaks, with 83 per cent of leaders and 75 per cent of teachers reporting an improvement in social activities.
A key takeaway from the review is that classrooms have become more focused learning environments. Seventy-six per cent of school leaders and 70 per cent of teachers observed increased concentration and engagement in lessons, while 75 per cent of leaders and 64 per cent of teachers reported a reduction in incidents linked to mobile devices. This shift highlights the wider implications of the ban—less distraction and more meaningful interactions.
Parents have also shared their perspectives, with those concerned about their child’s social media habits being the most supportive of the policy. Seventy-seven per cent of such parents agreed that the ban has made a positive difference, compared to 61 per cent of parents without such concerns. The impact extends beyond the classroom, with students now spending recess and lunch breaks chatting, walking, and playing sport instead of scrolling through screens.
The ban is just one component of a broader initiative aimed at tackling bullying and fostering a safer school environment. South Australia has taken a leading role in addressing school bullying, signing an agreement with New South Wales to share resources, curriculum materials, and professional development programs. NSW schools will now have access to a suite of South Australian anti-bullying resources, including a newly introduced staff training course on responding to violent behaviour among students.
The policy has not only changed student behaviour but has also led to a notable decrease in critical incidents related to mobile phone use. Reports of social media-related incidents dropped by 57.3 per cent, behaviour issues involving devices fell by 37.9 per cent, and policy compliance problems declined by 34 per cent compared to the previous year. These figures reinforce the argument that limiting access to mobile phones during school hours creates a more conducive learning environment.
South Australia’s approach is considered the strongest in the country, enforcing an ‘off and away for the whole day’ rule. Students are required to keep phones and smartwatches switched off and out of sight throughout school hours, unless granted an exemption. While some initial resistance was expected, the transition has been smoother than anticipated, with students adapting to the new norms and teachers finding it easier to manage classrooms free from the constant buzz of notifications.
The success of the policy has sparked discussions on what comes next. From 2025, schools will introduce updated digital safety education programs, ensuring students understand the risks associated with online engagement and social media. The focus will be on equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly while reinforcing the importance of in-person interactions and undistracted learning.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas sees the policy as part of a broader effort to protect young people from the negative effects of social media. As debates continue over the role of digital platforms in children’s lives, the state government is taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact within school settings.
Education Minister Blair Boyer has noted the positive shift in school culture, with students socialising more during breaks, participating in activities, and developing better focus in the classroom. Teachers have seen a reduction in bullying incidents linked to mobile devices, creating a more supportive and engaging learning environment.
With no major changes recommended following the review, the policy is set to remain in place. The early results suggest that the shift away from screens is fostering a more attentive and interactive school experience, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, a simple change can lead to meaningful improvements. As South Australia continues to refine its approach, the lessons from this initiative may influence policies in other states looking to strike a balance between technology and education.
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