Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Year 11 and 12 students must turn off and put away any mobile phones and personal communications devices during class time.
A new mobile phone policy will come into effect from term 1, 2024 across all ACT public schools.
From term 1 2024:
- Students in Years K-10 at ACT public schools may not use or use personal communications devices at school, including recess and lunch, or during school authorised events.
- Year 11 and 12 students must turn off and put away any mobile phones and personal communications devices during class time.
Each individual school will communicate expectations on how and where to store devices at the beginning of the school year.
The new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools policy follows an extensive consultation process earlier this year.
The consultation process attracted more than 3,200 pieces of feedback from parents and carers, students, and school staff.
It also received submissions from unions, the Principal Advisory Group (PAG), ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations and community organisations.
The consultation process found strong community and staff support for a first to last bell ban on communication devices for students in primary and high school years, and for ‘put it away’ restrictions during class time for college-aged students.
Formal and specific exemptions to this new policy can be requested at the school level and be considered by the school principal.
Exemptions can be requested if a student needs to use a device to support access to learning, has personal circumstances where they need to access their device in class and/or during the school day, or where a student needs to use a device to monitor or manage a medical condition.
More information about the new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools policy can be found at www.education.act.gov.au.
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