Minister for Education Dan Tehan has strongly endorsed the Tasmanian Government's decision today to ban mobile phones from its schools.
"Local parents will thank the Tasmanian Government for demonstrating strong leadership with its decision to ban mobile phones," Mr Tehan said.
"Mobile phones distract from students in class and this is impacting on education outcomes.
"Educational experts have observed that student performance across the OECD has been getting worse in-line with the uptake of mobile phones.
"Student wellbeing is an issue for parents and teachers, particularly with the rise of cyberbullying and the inappropriate use of new technology.
"There is also growing evidence linking social media use to anxiety and depression in young people, particularly young women.
"When you talk to students, teachers and parents at schools where mobile phones are banned they will tell you that student performance improves and children are playing at lunchtime again.
"Banning mobile phones gives students the opportunity to concentrate, think, learn, play and engage.
"Our Government supports any government that restricts mobile phones in schools and we will work with any jurisdiction to limit their use."
