Project status: Open

How to have YourSay

We are seeking your feedback on the use of mobile phones and other devices by students in ACT public schools.

As the use of mobile phones and other smart devices by students has become increasingly common in ACT public schools, questions about how they can best be used have also increased. Questions include:

  • Can students use devices without distraction?
  • How do schools balance the risk of distraction with the benefits of enabling learning?
  • How to protect students from potential cyberbullying?
  • Does the use of devices in schools impact addiction to technology?
  • Does the availability of devices have an impact on face-to-face social interaction and traditional and active play?
  • What role should schools have in educating students about the appropriate use of devices?

We recommend you read the discussion paper to learn about the policy options being considered.

We are engaging with the community and our stakeholders to ensure the new policies being developed meet community needs and expectations. Feedback will close at 11:59pm on 8 October 2023.

You can provide feedback on the policy in several ways:

We are looking at

The use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices by students in ACT public schools is governed by the Acceptable Use of ICT - Parents and Students policy and the Use of Personal Electronic Devices (PED) policy. These policies currently allow the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices in ACT public schools.

We are seeking your feedback to inform a new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT public schools policy. The new policy will ensure that ACT public schools and classrooms are safe places that provide an effective and accessible learning environment to all students. It will outline the appropriate use of mobile phones and other communication devices by all ACT public school students.

We are also updating the Personal Electronic Devices policy. The updated Use of Personal Electronic Devices policy gives guidance on how devices are to be used for educational purposes within ACT public schools by students.

We will use your views to

Your feedback will be used to inform the new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT public schools policy. It is intended that the new policy be in place for the 2024 school year.