Student use of mobile phones in schools
Direction and guidance on the safe and responsible use of mobile phones for students in NSW public schools.
Audience
This policy applies to all students in NSW public schools.
| Version | Date | Description of changes | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| V01.0.2 | 18/05/2026 | Updated policy contact and monitoring details. | Deputy Secretary, Public Schools |
| V01.0.1 | 25/02/2025 | Updated contact titles | Executive Director, Technology Enablement |
| V01.0.0 | 09/10/2023 | First publication | Chief Operating Officer |
- Policy statement
- Students are not allowed to use mobile phones at school, including during recess and lunch.
- Principals will manage individual requests from parents and/or carers, and students, for any exemptions to the policy.
- Principals may allow students to use mobile phones in specific circumstances, such as for an educational purpose, to achieve student health and wellbeing outcomes, or as part of reasonable adjustment to enable students with specific needs to participate in education on the same basis as other students.
- Context
- Learning environments should support students to develop technological, social and emotional competencies. This support should maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school.
- Policy contact
- Leader, Executive Support, Office of the Deputy Secretary Public Schools
02 7814 2410
DSschools@det.nsw.edu.au
- Leader, Executive Support, Office of the Deputy Secretary Public Schools
- Monitoring the policy
- The Deputy Secretary, Public Schools monitors the implementation of this policy, regularly reviews its contents and updates it as needed.