The phone ban will be in place in every NSW secondary school from Term 4

A mobile phone ban will be introduced in every public secondary school in NSW from term 4, with a headteacher setting out how her teachers should deal with it.

The ban – an election promise from the Mainz government – will bring secondary schools into line with public primary schools as well as schools in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Department of Education will begin consulting with schools starting Monday about options for enforcing the ban.

One option is for students to deposit phones onto carts at the start of each school day and pick them up after the last bell rings, as is the case at Condell Park High School in south-west Sydney.

“This means teachers and students focus on teaching and learning without interruption,” school principal Susie Moubayed said in a statement.

“There is also no place for cyberbullying, social media, or taking photos and videos during the school day.”

The government said other schools use lockable bags, lockers and briefcases or simply make students turn in their phones at the start of the school day.

“A comprehensive ban in secondary schools will create a level playing field, reduce distractions in the classroom, help address cyberbullying issues and improve student learning outcomes,” said Education Minister Pru ​​Karr.

We know that parents across the state are concerned about the impact of devices like smartphones on their children’s learning and mental health.

“Condell Park High School successfully banned cell phones for students for 16 years with benefits for student learning and behavior.”

Prime Minister Chris Minns said the ban would be applied “judiciously” and in consultation with experts, to ensure it improves children’s learning outcomes.

Prime Minister Chris Minns said the ban would be applied “judiciously” and in consultation with experts, to ensure it improves children’s learning outcomes. Pictured with Deputy Prime Minister Pro Kar