After recent resistance to the idea,and contradictory advice,the state government loosened its opposition in April. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the time said Queensland would“step up to the plate” if the federal government could arrange a national approach.
Principals across the state already use the power to restrict phone usage,but the issue reemerged after an election promise from the new NSW Labor government toban the devices in high schools.
In a statement,Grace said 95 per cent of schools already had clear policies banning the use of phones during class times with all but 15 per cent of those bans also extending to break times.
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“This statewide ban will provide uniformity,extend bans to break times,and include certain wearable devices like smartwatches,” she said.
“As has been the case for many years,principals who want to introduce or update bans before next year can do so.”
Students will still be able to bring phones to contact parents or carers “immediately before or after schools hours”,the media release published late on Thursday said. Exemptions would be available for digital learning or health and well-being related circumstances.