Kurri Kurri High School Principal Alan Hope Praises Mobile Phone Ban

21 October 2024

A year after the Minns Labor Government implemented a mobile phone ban in all New South Wales public schools, students and teachers are reaping the benefits of improved concentration, increased social interaction, and a better learning environment.

The ban, introduced at the start of Term 4 in 2023, aimed to remove the distractions posed by mobile phones during school hours. A recent survey by the NSW Department of Education’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation has found that 95% of school principals support the policy, highlighting its positive impact on student behaviour and academic performance.

At Kurri Kurri High School, Principal Alan Hope praised the ban, saying it has created a more focused and settled atmosphere in classrooms. “Our students are more engaged, not only in their studies but in social activities as well. Lunchtime has become a time for friendly competition with sporting activities like touch football and basketball, while others have taken to quieter pursuits like reading and chess,” said Mr Hope.

The survey also revealed that:

81% of principals reported an improvement in student learning since the ban
87% noticed a significant reduction in classroom distractions
86% observed increased socialisation among students

This feedback reflects broader trends seen across the state, with schools like Riverstone High School also reporting success. Principal Rosemary Daubney shared similar sentiments, noting that the absence of mobile phones has encouraged students to engage in more physical activities and socialise with their peers during breaks.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, commented on the findings: “A year in, it’s clear this was the right decision. Without the distraction of a mobile phone, students are able to focus on their learning and build stronger relationships with their classmates.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Prue Car, echoed these thoughts, emphasising the importance of student wellbeing and classroom productivity. “Our commitment to banning mobile phones in schools has delivered happier, healthier students who are more focused in the classroom and more engaged with their peers,” she said.

The mobile phone ban is part of a broader initiative by the NSW Government to address the challenges posed by social media and excessive screen time. This includes partnerships to combat cyberbullying, research into the impacts of screen time on young people, and the development of educational resources aimed at promoting online safety and respectful relationships.

As Kurri Kurri High School continues to see positive outcomes from the ban, it stands as a strong example of how the policy has benefited students not just academically but socially, providing a supportive environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.