Education Minister Rob Stokes ordered as review into the use of technological devices in schools to be led by child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
“While smartphones connect us to the world in ways never imagined just a decade ago, they raise issues that previous generations have not had to deal with,” Mr Stokes said.
“In the classroom and in the playground, smartphones provide opportunities for students and parents to stay connected, but can also create other problems.
“From screen time, to cyberbullying and social media, smartphones have generated concerns for parents, teachers and students. Schools need to have better rules in place around phones.”
“It is important that we examine parameters around their use in schools to ensure that they are not a distraction from learning.”
The review will investigate the risks versus rewards of mobile phone usage inside the school gates.
“Every school I visit has anecdotal examples about the perils or positives surrounding the use of smartphones and other devices in schools. Principals are adopting a range of approaches to managing their use, and we want to ensure we provide the best possible advice to help them support their students and parents,” Mr Stokes said.
The review will examine the impact of the use of devices in schools on students of different ages in terms of educational outcomes and child development, as well as their potential benefits when used as part of contemporary teaching practice, particularly for students in the latter years of high school.
Other issues for consideration will include social media age restrictions, student online safety, examining the prevalence of cyberbullying on school grounds, restricting these of mobile phones at primary schools and the importance of students being contactable while travelling to and from school.
The review will be informed by consultation with parents, students, teachers and principals. Specialist advice will also be sought from local and international experts in the fields of child development, cyberbullying, teaching practice and technology.
