In June, the Marshall Government spoke about whether it would consider banning mobile phone use in South Australian public schools.

The Victorian Government has already announced that starting from next year, state school students will not be allowed to use mobile phones between the opening and closing bells of the day. This announcement followed mobile phonebans in France, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom last year.  

Victorian Education Minister, James Merlino, said it was an attempt to reduce cyber bullying and distraction during class time.

South Australian Education Minister, John Gardner, said that the Marshall Government would monitor the results of the ban and consider whether it would be implemented in SA.  

“This is currently a local decision for principals in South Australia, and a number of schools have recently moved to an explicit mobile phone ban at all times during the school day,” he said in a statement.

“We will closely monitor the new arrangement in Victoria to inform us on whether a blanket approach has advantages over those local arrangements.

“We respect the autonomy of our principals to manage such issues and any decision on a blanket ban would be informed by consultation with schools.”