Australia is all set to implement a nationwide ban on mobile phone usage in schools from next year and is also intending to fund the purchase of new lockers or lockable pouches on a partial note.
To start with, the country has decided to first start the ban in a phase-wise manner from the state of Victoria and then will try to implement it in other states.
So, schools operating in Victoria can apply for a funding share from the committed government funding of AU$12m to deliver storage solutions to school pupils to securely store their device until the schools hours are completed.
“Usage of phones is not only distracting the students to a large extent but is also leading to troubles such as cyberbullying and concerns related to cybersecurity. So, a statewide ban of mobile phone usage will be implemented first across the Victorian state”, said James Merlino, Minister of Education.
From term 1 of 2020, all students belonging to Primary and Secondary education level will have to store their mobile phones in the storage allotted to them during the school day added Merlino.
However, teachers and other school staff will be permitted to use smartphones and apps during school hours for obvious reasons. If in case, a class needs the use of learning apps, then that class will be allowed to use their mobile phones during school hours after receiving special permission from the head of the school institute.
